Novak Djokovic’s former coach Nikola Pilic has shut down suggestions the Serb did not undergo knee surgery following the French Open.
The former French Open runner-up assessed that Djokovic is “certainly a little slower than normal” after the surgery, but added “he would not have been able to continue” without it.
Djokovic tore the medial meniscus in his right knee at Roland Garros in June during his five-set fourth round victory over Francisco Cerundolo.
The injury forced Djokovic to withdraw from his quarter-final match with Casper Ruud and the tennis legend revealed he had an operation on his knee in Paris.
The 37-year-old surprised many with his amazing recovery to return to action in time for Wimbledon less than a month later and he remarkably reached the final.
Then, on the same court where he tore his meniscus at Roland Garros, Djokovic won his first Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games — which started less than two weeks after the Wimbledon final.
The world No 2 produced a stunning display to overcome Carlos Alcaraz — who he had lost to convincingly in the Wimbledon final — in a brilliant gold medal match.
In an interview with Tennis Magazin after the Olympics, Pilic was asked whether Djokovic had undergone an operation as it was put to him that the Serbian’s knee injury had “raised many mysteries” given his swift return to form.
“Yes. He definitely had problems at Roland Garros. For example, I could see that one leg was softer than the other,” the Croatian explained.
“Fortunately, he had all the doctors he trusts around him in Paris. He then had this operation and his knee got much better.
“He is certainly a little slower than normal, but without this small operation, he would not have been able to continue. Novak worked on this leg from morning to night to get fit again. That’s why I’m very happy that he won the gold medal.”
Pilic, who mentored a young Djokovic at his tennis academy in Munich, also revealed he had faith in his former star pupil ahead of the Olympics final.
“No, [I was not surprised Djokovic won the gold medal],” said the 84-year-old. “I was interviewed by some Serbian media before the final and I was one of the few who said that Novak had a good chance of winning gold.
“Provided he found his rhythm and played in sixth gear. Nobody said that beforehand. Most media said that it would be a mere formality for Alcaraz. Also because Novak played very badly in the Wimbledon final, while Alcaraz played very well and that’s why he won clearly with 6-2, 6-2 and 7-6.
“I know Novak better than anyone else. I believed that he had a good chance. His attitude was outstanding because he knew it was his last chance.
