Novak Djokovic is facing another problem in his return to the tour after it has emerged that he underwent surgery earlier this week.
The former world No.1 recently travelled to the Czech Republic to seek advice from a medical expert. He then visited the Swiss city of Muttenz. Whilst in the city, a photo emerged of Djokovic alongside a fan with bandaging over his right hand.
Looks like Novak is in Switzerland now. His hand doesn't look good.
via: Oana Raluca pic.twitter.com/kdIYgZdKPm— Basia (@BasiaID) January 31, 2018
Swiss newspaper Blick has reported that the 30-year-old has undergone surgery on his hand and it is not linked to his ongoing elbow issue. Unconfirmed reports have suggested that he underwent the procedure at the Rennbanklinik clinic. A sports facility that specializes in Orthopaedics (the correction of deformities in the bones or muscles). He was accompanied by coach Radek Stepanek, who allegedly advised him to go to the Rennbanklinik clinic.
The unannounced operation has cast doubts on when Djokovic will return to the tour. At the Australian Open he played his first tournament for six months after being advised to rest his elbow. He reached the fourth round in Melbourne before losing to South Korea’s Hyeon Chung. Following his loss, Djokovic admitted to ongoing struggles with his elbow, but nothing was said about his hand.
“Unfortunately, it’s not great,” he said last month.
“Kind of the end of the first set it started hurting more, so I had to deal with it until the end of the match.”
According to his official schedule, the Serbian is set to play at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. A Masters 1000 tournaments that will get underway on March 5th. Although it is unclear if this will be the case, given his recent surgery.
There has been no official comment from Djokovic or his management about the latest development.
According to Blick Novak probably had surgery in Switzerland pic.twitter.com/Vvc6KBF4U1
— Basia (@BasiaID) February 2, 2018
