Former world No.1 Novak Djokovic is relishing the prospect of his return to the ATP Tour, according to his newly appointed Physio Ulises Badio.
The Serbian is sidelined from action due to a persistent elbow injury. Shortly after the Wimbledon championships he announced an end to his 2017 season in order to fully recover after consulting with medical experts.
Recently Djokovic revelled his new team for when he returns next year. Andre Agassi will continue his role as coach and Badio has become his new physiotherapist. Argentine-born Badio specialises in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. During an interview with La Nacion, he said he believed Djokovic’s break from the tour will benefit him in the long term.
“Nole had an important injury and we are controlling it. Time was fundamental for him to feel better.” He explained. “His decision of not playing anymore in 2017 was the best to create a work protocol and to not make mistakes in the treatment. Nole has a lot energy and he can’t wait to play again.”
Besides the chance of working alongside Djokovic, Badio is also looking forward to working with Agassi. During his career, the American won a total of eight grand slam titles.
“I read his book, which I found emotional. Now I’ve met him, and he seems a captivating person.” He said.
It is understood that the Italian-based Argentine will travel on the tour full-time. He is set to work with Djokovic in both Serbia and Monte Carlo, but the exact details of the partnership haven’t been revealed.
It is unclear as to when Djokovic will return to the tour, but it is expected to be at a yet-to-be confirmed event in Australia at the start of next year. In a recent interview with Sportklub, the 30-year-old admitted that he still feels some pain in his right elbow. Although, he also mentioned that he hopes to emulate Roger Federer and play on the tour late into his career.
“I’m glad that I have these six months that I can in some way organize my life, to lay the foundations for my game and for my body and for my life in the next I do not know how many years.“ He commented about his break from the sport.
At sixth in the world, the Serbian is set to drop outside of the world’s top 10 later this year. When he does, it will be the first time since March 2007.
