Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic - "It's not good at all"
Novak Djokovic had to struggle against the French Enzo Couacaud with severe physical complaints at times. The top favorite was also worried about whether this would happen after his progress.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 19, 2023, 07:12 pm
It was far more than a moment of shock that Novak Djokovic caused in his second round duel with Frenchman Enzo Couacaud on Wednesday evening Australian time. The hamstring discomfort that has plagued the Serb since the Adelaide ATP 250 event now appeared to be affecting the 35-year-old's game far more. So strong that the nine-time Australian Open winner against the French not only had to take a medical time-out, but also had to give up the second round.
Accordingly, Djokovic was also concerned after the game. "To be honest, it's not good at all," the Serb told Eurosport after his progress. "The last game was better, the feeling, than today. That's all I can say now. It's really up to God to help me - and the physiotherapist! We have to go from day to day. I hope that I I can recover and be ready for a tough match in the next game."
Djokovic "worried"
It would have been beneficial if Djokovic had already won the match in three sets. His clear goal, as the tournament's number four also admitted: "I'm glad I survived such a match in four sets - I wanted to get through in three sets, but I have to give him credit for playing good tennis." , said Djokovic, who had to give up section two in the tie-break after clearly winning the opening set. Afterwards, however, the Serb had no problems.
"I'm worried. I mean, I can't say I'm not. I have reason to be worried," Djokovic emphasized. "But at the same time I have to accept the circumstances and try to come to terms with my team. My physio and medical team have done everything so that I can play every game." Now there are two options, according to the Serb, to continue or to let it be. And for him, of course, only the former comes into question. "I'll try to play against a great player like Dimitrov in a few days and measure myself against him."
Djokovic with memories of 2021
As early as 2021, Djokovic had struggled with problems during the tournament at the Australian Open - which the Serb was supposed to win. These memories are now coming back to him - even if the injuries are not comparable. "I don't know how my body will react to it. I hope for the best. I hope for a positive result. I take it from day to day, game to game and see how it goes," said Djokovic. The last time he pushed through - and won the tournament. This reminder should give you strength.
In an interview with journalists from his home country, Djokovic finally took the opportunity to go into more detail about what was happening on the pitch: "Today the pain got worse during the match, especially in the middle and at the end of the second set. During the medical "Time out, I went outside, changed the bandage and took medication. The pills started to work after 20-30 minutes, so I could move better in the third and fourth sets," said the Serb. "I still didn't hit all the balls the way I wanted, I wasn't at 100% and the slipping in particular is giving me problems. I was in pain on a lot of shots, but the pain was bearable, with the exception of some really extreme ones balls and positions."