September 20, 2024
Novak Djokovic took a step closer to securing his elusive maiden gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games after a tough 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Thursday.
The 37-year-old Serb faced a daunting 2-5 deficit in the second set. However, he saved three set points and made two trips to the physio for his right knee.
Djokovic said that he is worried about his knee, and that the pain felt very similar to the meniscus tear at Roland Garros
“I am very worried, honestly, I don’t know what to say. I finished the match, and the intense pain went away. Whether I hit myself or slipped, I don’t even know.
It all resembled the 4th round of Roland Garros where I managed to finish the match, and then I found out I was injured. I am pleased with the victory, but I am worried”
Djokovic currently has a 12-2 advantage over the Greek Tsitsipas in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series following the win. Their first meeting since the Australian Open final in 2023 took place on Thursday.
Up next for the top seed is 11th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who upset defending Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev 7-5, 7-5.
Djokovic has won six of his seven meetings against Musetti, including three matches this season. The Belgrade native defeated Musetti in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Djokovic, who won the singles bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, could meet rival Carlos Alcaraz in the gold-medal match.
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