Novak Djokovic injury update: Serb walking without crutches again after reported hyperbaric chamber therapy

Novak Djokovic is undergoing special treatment in Belgrade to heal the knee injury that forced him to withdraw from the 2024 Roland Garros. Djokovic is using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to speed up his recovery and prepare for the Olympic Games in Paris.

Hyperbaric chamber therapy is a medical procedure that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. It is said to help in faster healing of muscle, bone and ligament injuries, as well as reducing inflammation and pain.

Djokovic’s knee injury was a major setback in his quest for title defense at the clay-court Grand Slam, where he had reached the quarterfinals. The Serb suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee during his fourth-round match against 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo.

Despite the setback, the World No. 3 managed to win the match 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in four hours and 39 minutes, but he had to withdraw from his quarterfinal match against Casper Ruud, ending his hopes of a 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic underwent surgery at Ramsay Sante clinic in Paris, just a day after his withdrawal. The 37-year-old posted a photo on Instagram, where he was spotted in crutches while posing with his team and wife, with an Eiffel Tower backdrop.

"In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match. I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well," he wrote.

"I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side, as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans. I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible. My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going. Idemooo," he added.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has now opted for hyperbaric chamber therapy. According to the Serbian newspaper 'Informer,' Djokovic visited the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine in Belgrade on June 12 and spent 70 minutes getting the treatment.

The newspaper also reported that the Serb limped a little when he arrived at the clinic, but he moved without any major problems and did not need crutches.

Djokovic is expected to miss the Wimbledon Championships (June 1-14) as his injury needs a minimum of three weeks of rehabilitation, but he hopes to compete at the Olympics, where he has never won a gold medal. The Serb has won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

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Novak Djokovic opens up about the Paris Olympics possibly being his last chance at the gold medal

Novak Djokovic at the Tokyo Olympics

Novak Djokovic expressed his desire to perform well in the 2024 Paris Olympics during a press conference at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where he won "Sportsman of the Year."

The Serb said that he was honored to represent his home nation and had confidence in himself to claim the elusive gold medal in Paris.

"Well, I'm thinking about it and I, I think it is possible if I don't think it's possible, I probably would not be playing Olympic Games. So, you know, you always have to believe that everything is possible in life. And the Olympic Games are the oldest and most prestigious sporting events in the history of the sport. It's a huge honor to be representing Serbia in the Olympic Games," he said.

Djokovic hoped to stay fit, seeing Paris as potentially his last chance at a gold medal, though he also aims to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

"So I hope I can be healthy and fit and I hope I can play my best tennis because at the end of the day, who knows if I get another chance to play the Olympic games. They only come every four years," he added.

"I said recently that I would really want to play at least till LA Olympic Games, but you never know, you know at this stage what can happen or how far I can go. So I'll try to use this opportunity as best possible," he continued.