25mm tear: Novak Djokovic's injury has worsened
Novak Djokovic's abdominal muscle injury deteriorated over the course of the Australian Open.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Feb 22, 2021, 01:55 pm
It was the big question in the course of the Australian Open 2021: How fit is Novak Djokovic - and how bad is his injury, which he sustained in the third round match against Taylor Fritz?
Djokovic gave his answers on the pitch, fought his way against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev and showed no more weaknesses in the semifinals against Aslan Karatsev and the final against Daniil Medvedev.
As Djokovic announced on Monday, his injury has worsened. The crack in the oblique abdominal muscles increased from 17 millimeters at the beginning to 25 millimeters, according to Djokovic, according to the Australian media.
He will now reduce his program for some time. "According to the doctor, it's not too bad, but I need to take some time off and let it heal."
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Ivanisevic: "I don't know anyone like Djokovic on a mental level"
Djokovic had already complained on Sunday about sometimes unfair criticism , which also went to his heart, after all, he was only human.
Again and again there was speculation about the severity of Djokovic's injury, as the 33-year-old had shown himself in variously fit states during a match.
Rafael Nadal had also been asked about the topic and recalled his abdominal muscle injury at the US Open 2009. He started the tournament with a crack of 6 millimeters, after his semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro it was 26 millimeters. "Not a wise decision," said Nadal in retrospect when he appeared.
Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic had spoken to the press after the final and said the doctor said that some people could handle the pain, some not. "I know him, he can overcome pain in all respects. I don't know anyone like him, on a mental level."