Australian Open: Big shock - Djokovic breaks off training match against Medvedev
The thigh of the 21-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic gives the Serb a headache shortly before the start of the Australian Open.
by SID/red.
last edit: Jan 11, 2023, 02:50 pm
Nine-time Melbourne winner Novak Djokovic is plagued by injury concerns a few days before the start of the Australian Open. On Wednesday, the Serb pulled out of a training game against Russian Daniil Medvedev because of pain in his left thigh. As ABC and 9News Melbourne reported, Djokovic ended the session, which was actually scheduled for 75 minutes, after just over half an hour.
"It's the thigh that I had problems with in Adelaide last week," top favorite Djokovic said, according to 9News. He felt a pull and therefore did not want to take any risks. "I played a set and then apologized to him (Medvedev, editor's note) and he understood," said the 35-year-old: "I want to avoid a bigger shock from the Australian Open."
Despite problems on Friday against Kyrgios?
Another high-class training game is planned for Friday. Then Djokovic wants to play against Australian Nick Kyrgios in the Rod Laver Arena in the new edition of the Wimbledon final. Despite persistent thigh problems, Djokovic won the 92nd title of his career last Sunday in Adelaide, Australia. He drew level with his eternal rival Rafael Nadal.
Last year Djokovic missed the Australian Open spectacularly after his visa was invalidated. After days of forced quarantine in a deportation hotel and several court hearings, he had to leave the country one day before the start of the Grand Slam tournament. This year he will start again on Monday as the favorite for the title.
laver arena