Novak Djokovic: Wrist problems cloud comeback joy
Novak Djokovic actually returned to the biggest stage in tennis at the Laver Cup after a two-month break from competition. If it weren't for the wrist problems that seemed to affect the Serb in the Felix Auger-Aliassime clash .
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Sep 26, 2022, 09:58 am
Novak Djokovic caused some amazed faces on Saturday. Of course, in the packed O2 Arena, none of the tennis-loving spectators made the beginner's mistake of writing off a Novak Djokovic brand after almost two and a half months without a competition. But it wasn't necessarily to be assumed that the Serb would perform so well.
A little more human was what the man from Belgrade showed on Sunday in a duel with what is probably currently the best individual player from Team World, against Felix Auger-Aliassime. There the Serb had to admit defeat after a good start with 0:2 sentences - although there were always chances of a turnaround.
Djokovic with wrist problems
However, what was noticeable: Djokovic did not feel completely comfortable on Sunday. The wrist in particular - Djokovic played with a tape, TV pictures should show later - seemed to bother the 35-year-old. Djokovic confirmed this himself after the defeat: "To be honest, I've been struggling with my right wrist for the last four or five days," said the Serb. "I kept it under control. The two games yesterday probably had an impact. It wasn't easy today."
Of course, the pain could also be due to the long break from competition, emphasized Djokovic. Especially since the conditions in London were not easy, due to the heavy, slow balls you had to work a lot - especially with your wrist - to be able to generate speed.
Accordingly, Djokovic finds it difficult to take positive stock of his return despite a successful Saturday: "I'm not worried about my level, but a bit about my wrist," said the Serb. "I'll try to get it under control with my physio so I'm ready for my first game in Tel Aviv." At the ATP 250 event, the 21-time major winner goes to work.