TENNIS – Novak Djokovic started his campaign to win the Miami Masters 2014 without the coaching services of Boris Becker as the 46-year-old German undergoes double hip surgery. The three-time winner in Miami, launched his bid for a fourth title in impressive fashion, dispatching Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3. Simone Kemler
Novak Djokovic started his campaign to win the Miami Masters 2014 without the coaching services of Boris Becker as the 46-year-old German undergoes double hip surgery. Second seed Djokovic revealed the news on the eve of his opening match at Crandon Park. “He’s unable to travel, he has surgery of his both hips today and tomorrow, so that’s unfortunate. He couldn’t come,” said Djokovic. “He called us and said that he had an emergency and he has to operate both hips. Of course, in these particular situations you can’t do much about it. If he has to operate his hips, he cannot move, cannot walk, unfortunately. It’s been something that it’s kind of an issue that has been an issue he’s been carrying for many years already.” Becker was looking fragile over recent months, barely able to hit with Djokovic at the Australian Open and looking swollen in the face at Dubai last month, possibly due to pain-killing medication. Those who travelled with him recently said the three-time Wimbledon winner was struggling to make his way through airports. Naturally this will again stir up speculations as to whether this cooperation is a good idea and how long it’ll last.
In the meantime world number two Novak Djokovic, a three-time winner in Miami, launched his bid for a fourth title in impressive fashion, dispatching Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3. Djokovic, riding the momentum from his victory at Indian Wells, jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the opening before breaking the Frenchman to secure a 1-0 lead. There was only one break in the second set and that went to Djokovic to nose in front 5-3 before serving out for the victory. “It’s a straight sets win and when I was supposed to play my best and come up with some good serves and good shots, that’s what I have done in both sets,” said Djokovic. “That’s what matters the most to me.” His opponent in the third round should have been Florian Mayer, won against Croatian Ivan Dodig in two straight sets as well but the German had to withdraw from the tournament being injured. So now the Serb will play his quarterfinal against Tommy Robredo from Spain.
