“Just one strange move and…” Pat Cash fears Novak Djokovic’s hamstring is about to ruin his 2023 Australian Open campaign
Aussie great Pat Cash expresses his concern for Novak Djokovic who inches closer to his record-extending tenth Australian Open title.
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Pat Cash and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic‘s biggest challenge at the 2023 Australian Open has been his hamstring. No offense to his opponents in the four matches that he has played, the Serb was hardly seen worried in any of those matches. He has dropped a set only once so far and served two bagels as well on his way to the quarter-finals.
With strapping on his left leg visible, he admitted to things getting difficult for him in the first three rounds. After his fourth-round win over Alex de Minaur, he reassured his fans that things have improved. While he is recovering, it doesn’t rule him out of danger and Aussie great Pat Cash fears exactly the same.
“Just one strange move and if you are wrong-footed or lunging, and it hasn’t quite healed 100 percent, there is a risk. There is no doubt there is a risk he could do something in the next few matches. It could be a strange move and he could pull up and it would be the end of his tournament unless it is in the final and he would fight through. What Novak does, and it is well known, is that he goes into a hyperbaric chamber.
“And that is going to help the healing. It is just really clever. Djokovic tries all sorts of different things. He is always exploring, trying different things, and coming up with solutions to aid his recovery. He just puts the hours in and recovers. Some of it is genetics. Players that are light-bodied can bounce back a bit, but he just puts the extra effort in and he has a better chance of recovering from things,” said Cash as per DailyMail UK.
Novak Djokovic warned by renowned Doctor
Andrey Rublev awaits Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final match. The Russian survived a thriller against Holger Rune in the fourth round saving two match points. Unlike Rublev, Djokovic is yet to be fully tested by any opponent. That factor troubles Dr. Peter Larkins, a well-known sports medicine professional.
“I am absolutely giving him the benefit of the doubt and don’t doubt it is real. There is probably some low-grade hamstring awareness there. It could be nerve-related. He is probably so finely in tune with his body that even the slightest thing will be something he is aware of. But he is still one wrong step away from doing something more serious,” added Larkins.
What has worked well for the nine-time Australian Open champion so far is not being exposed. With a noticeable change in his movement, neither of the players has pushed more shots on Djokovic‘s backhand. Knowing the Serb’s limited movement, tiring him would be a great way to tire him down but has not been used by any player so far. Rublev could well use this to reach his maiden Grand Slam semi-final.
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Sarthak Shitole
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