Novak Djokovic Shares Crucial Update on his Foot Blister During Second Round at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic took a medical timeout in the third set of his second-round Roland Garros match to address a blister on his left big toe.

Novak Djokovic Shares Crucial Update on his Foot Blister During Second Round at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic (image via Idaho State Journal)

Novak Djokovic swept past Corentin Moutet in straight sets in the second round of the Roland Garros. However, this victory did not come without an injury scare. On serve at 2-3 in the third set, Djokovic took a medical timeout to address a blister on his left big toe. The Serbian was broken for the first time upon the resumption before he settled in again and leveled.

The blister on his foot required treatment after the match. It took nearly an hour to treat the blister and the bleeding. He was given injections to drain the blood, and then a tube was inserted to draw out the fluid from the blister. After the treatment, Djokovic attended the press conference and reassured everyone that he was fine.

I’m in pretty good shape at the moment. I don’t feel like I have any major issues. It’s true that it took nearly an hour to treat the blister and the bleeding. They gave injections to drain the blood, then inserted a tube to draw out the fluid from the blister…It wasn’t very pleasant, as you can imagine, but it’s something anyone in this situation has experienced before…I don’t think it will affect my recovery.

With this victory, Djokovic is just the second player in the Open era to reach the third round at a single Grand Slam 20 times, after Roger Federer at the Australian Open. 

Djokovic will next face qualifier Filip Misolic at the Roland Garros. This will be their first encounter on court. The Austrian defeated Yunchaokete Bu in his opening round and had an impressive five-set victory over 31st-ranked Denis Shapovalov in the second round. 

Novak Djokovic creates a perfect record against Frenchmen at Roland Garros

Competing on the atmospheric Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Corentin Moutet aimed to entertain with his deft drop shots and variety and made the match uncomfortable for Novak Djokovic at times. However, the Frenchman was unable to capitalize on his chances, with Djokovic crucially saving one set point on serve in the third set to seal a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) victory.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/We Are Tennis)

Although Djokovic lost serve in the opening game and was a break down in the third set, he was in control for large periods. The 38-year-old struck 43 winners to 33 unforced errors and was sharp around the net to rebuff Moutet’s drop shot. Djokovic now holds an impressive 12-0 record against French players at the Roland Garros. 

Mats Wilander believes Novak Djokovic can win another Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic’s quest to win an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title is one of the dominant stories of this year’s Roland Garros, yet plenty of critics have insisted the 38-year-old is fighting a losing battle. However, former World No. 1 Mats Wilander has told Tennis365 that Djokovic can win another Grand Slam title, even if he is not a favorite to triumph on the Paris clay.

I cannot understand why anyone would say Novak should stop and, in fact, I think he is adding to his legacy by going out and winning a title like he did in Geneva last weekend… A great champion is not just the guy who wins the big tournament. It’s also the guy who finds a way to compete when he is not at his best and that is what we are seeing from Novak now.

Novak Djokovic and Hubert Hurkacz
Hubert Hurkacz and Novak Djokovic (via X)

Djokovic won his 100th ATP title at the Geneva Open last weekend, and now he is through to the third round in Paris. He is competing for a fourth title at the clay court Grand Slam.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Reveals if He Wants His Fans to Dress up as ‘Foxes’ Instead of ‘Carrots’