“Let’s get healthy for next year,” Andy Roddick should end his season amidst injury struggles
Novak Djokovic had to pull out of the 2024 French Open owing to his right knee injury. The Serbian seemed to have worsened his right knee issues during his five-set victory over Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round of the 2024 French Open.
The Serbian has undergone a successful surgery, as he is yet to take a decision on rest of the summer. Former American tennis player Andy Roddick believes that the 37-year-old should end his season early, and come back in 2025.
Andy Roddick stated that Novak Djokovic might not be able to be at his best if he decides to continue playing in the summer. He believes that the Serbian’s defensive game could be severely impacted, as he will not be able to move as swiftly on the court as he usually does.
“Let’s get healthy for next year. It’s not just a case of saying my knee is okay in a month, because you have to train, and especially Novak. Your special sauce is being able to grind people down, stay in rallies, move people from side to side, and ask the question over and over again. “Novak needs his wheels. He needs his defensive skills. He is probably the best defensive player in the history of tennis, and with defense, you rely on your legs,” said Roddick, as quoted by the Forbes.
Andy Roddick advises Novak Djokovic to withdraw before Wimbledon draw
Novak Djokovic would have eyes set on the Paris Olympics, which takes place in the end of July. The Serbian is chasing an elusive gold medal, as he returns to Paris in what could be his final chance. However, it remains uncertain as to what his schedule for the remainder of the current season looks like, with Wimbledon commencing in a couple of weeks.
Andy Roddick believes that Novak Djokovic would be risking a relapse of the injury if he continues playing this season.
“Bet against the greats at your own peril but when someone is 37 and you start having surgery on your knees, it’s a problem. A torn meniscus in your knee is not a massive thing when you are 24, 25, 26, but the timing of this sucks. It’s the shortest time of the year for a turnaround. I’d say grass is his best surface right now and the worst surface for the guys he’s going against,” said Roddick.
Novak Djokovic has been among his worst years on the tour, as he has failed to win a single title so far. The Serbian is also set to lose his world number one ranking to Jannik Sinner in next Monday’s latest ATP Rankings. The veteran won three Grand Slam titles last season, and made it to the finals of each Major. Hence, this year has been pretty ordinary for someone like Novak’s caliber.
