Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(3) to advance to the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics. The Serbian star displayed resilience, overcoming a challenging second set where he trailed 2-5 and saved three set points. However, Djokovic’s victory was overshadowed by concerns over his right knee, which required two visits from the physio during the match. The same knee was injured in June at Roland Garros, leading to his withdrawal after a grueling fourth-round match and subsequent surgery.
Knee Injury Impact
Djokovic expressed worry about potentially re-injuring his knee. “I had a scare early in the second set with the knee, kind of a deja vu from what happened a few months ago at Roland Garros,” Djokovic said. Despite the knee concerns, Djokovic showed determination by continuing to play aggressively and saving critical points. He plans to have his knee evaluated before his semi-final match against Lorenzo Musetti. “I’m hoping that’s not the case this time. I don’t know. I’m honestly concerned,” he added.
Semi-Final Matchup and Career Context
The 37-year-old, who holds 98 tour-level titles, is pursuing his first Olympic gold medal. Djokovic leads Tsitsipas 12-2 in their ATP Head2Head series. The Serbian is determined to compete in the semi-finals regardless of his medical evaluation. “These are very rare chances to fight for a medal for my country. So I’m going to do everything possible in the next — less than 24 hours to put myself in a position to fight for Serbia,” Djokovic stated. He will face Lorenzo Musetti, who upset defending champion Alexander Zverev 7-5, 7-5 in the quarter-finals.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic has a strong track record against Musetti, having won six of their seven encounters, including their recent Wimbledon semi-final. Despite the knee concerns, Djokovic remains focused on his goal of securing an Olympic medal. As he prepares for his upcoming match, the tennis world watches with anticipation to see if the Serbian champion can overcome his physical challenges and continue his quest for gold.
