“Probably going to be a big inflammation,” Novak Djokovic drops injury update ahead of 2023 Australian Open second round clash
The 35-year-old revealed more about the hamstring issue he picked up ahead of the Australian Open
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic spoke about his hamstring injury in a press conference after he beat Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round of the Australian Open. The 21-time World Champion revealed that the situation with his injury is similar to the one during the 2021 Australian Open. Djokovic won that tournament with an abdominal tear.
Djokovic picked up his latest injury during his semifinal win over Daniil Medvedev at the Adelaide International. He has since not had regular practice sessions, leading to speculation that he might pull out of the Slam. But Djokovic stepped onto the court and beat Carballes Baena convincingly. Djokovic said about his injury afterward,”When you do not have a lot of recovery time, you need to do everything in your power to be prepared – that means less practice and more rest. You have seen me practise on Monday, I was maybe at 50 per cent. In the warm-up ahead of the match, I tried to go harder and it was all right – not ideal, but all right.”
“Let’s see what happens tomorrow when the effect of medications and anti-inflammatory pills vanishes. There is probably going to be a big inflammation. One day of rest between the matches at Slams gives me the possibility to regenerate, and the experience from two years ago helps me a lot. Also, it is a positive sign that my leg felt better in the third set – it is usually the other way around if the injury is worsening.“
When he was asked about the recovery process for the injury, the World No.5 said,”Well, the situation is similar to the one two years ago here. I think I have told you everything by saying that.” Djokovic managed the abdominal tear through multiple matches as he lifted the trophy in Melbourne. It didn’t hamper his performances, as he won the final in straight sets.
Djokovic will fancy his chances of winning in Australia even more after rival Rafael Nadal’s exit from the tournament. This gives the Serbian an easier path to winning his career’s tenth Australian Open title. It will also mean the 22nd Grand Slam title of his career, leveling Nadal. These factors will serve as further motivation for the legend.
Related: Rafael Nadal may not be competing too long after his exit from the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic wins first round clash at 2023 Australian Open
Djokovic won his first match at Melbourne Park in two years. In dominant fashion, the Serbian beat Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3,6-4,6-0 at the Rod Laver Arena. He battled through his injury, playing with a strapped left hamstring.
The match was level at 2-2 in the first set when Djokovic turned a gear. He won the following twelve points and proceeded to win the set 6-3. In the next set, he got even sharper to win it 6-4. The third set was an absolute masterclass. Djokovic won the set without dropping a game. He finished the game with 41 winners and nine aces.
Djokovic was thankful for the warm welcome from the crowd. He has returned to his favorite tournament after last year’s deportation drama denied him the chance. Now he is doing everything to give his 100% at the tournament, even fighting through injuries.
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)