Djokovic confirms ‘small medical intervention’ after leaving clinic

Novak Djokovic’s latest Instagram post states that he been dealing with an elbow injury for the past two years, suggests he decided to play the Australian Open against some medical opinions ("I really missed competing, it’s in my blood and I had to give it a try on AO.") and revealed that he “accepted to do a small medical intervention” in order to try and regain full playing health.

Numerous media outlets, including Switzerland’s Blick, reported that Djokovic was seen leaving a surgical clinic in Switzerland, with photos showing his right hand heavily bandaged. The Serb was at the Rennbahnklinik in Muttenz, which is known for orthopedic and rehabilitation expertise, especially with athletes.

The tabloid suggested that Djokovic had surgery on his hand, citing Italian website Ubitennis, saying that the 30-year-old has an extraneous bone or fragment that could have required removal. It also cited other rumors that Djokovic had previously gone to the Czech Republic for consultations about his elbow, the source of his injury problems.

A chief doctor at the surgical clinic did not confirm that Djokovic had surgery, or even acknowledged that he had been at the clinic; he was quoted in the story as saying, "I saw Mr. Djokovic just on television playing the Australian Open, and he already wore a bandage on his right hand."

Djokovic wore an arm sleeve on court during the tournament, but had no strapping on his hand.

Djokovic has been having ongoing elbow problems, returning from a six-month layoff at the Australian Open with what appeared to be a renewed injury in the area. Following his fourth-round loss to eventual semifinalist Hyeon Chung, Djokovic said he would have to “reassess” the problem, indicating that could include surgery, which had previously not been advised by specialists.

The Instagram post was Djokovic’s first comment about the injury since the Australian Open.