12-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has confirmed his participation in two exhibition events, the Kooyong Classic and the Tie Break Tens, in order to assess his fitness level for the upcoming Australian Open in Melbourne.
The 30-year-old Serb, who hasn’t played a match since losing to Tomas Berdych in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, will be making his highly publicized return to action with the aforementioned tournaments. The former six-time Australian Open winner was set for a comeback at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship but had to pull out at the last minute from the exhibition event and the subsequent Qatar Open due to severe pain in his troubled right elbow.
However, Djokovic is yet to confirm his appearance at the Aussie Open. And he will only confirm his presence in the Happy Slam if he doesn’t experience any sort of pain whatsoever in his elbow while dealing with his opponents on the court.
“After pulling out from Abu Dhabi and ATP Doha events due to pain in his right elbow, Novak is travelling to Australia where he will take part in two exhibition tournaments,” said a statement on the former World No.1’s website (www.novakdjokovic.com).
“After the two events, a decision will be made about his participation at the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open, where Novak has been crowned champion six times.”
The Serbinator will challenge the likes of World No. 4 Dominic Thiem, former US Open champion Marin Cilic and David Goffin of Belgium in the Kooyong Classic, which will take place from 10-12 January, while joining 10-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal, former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka and home favorite Nick Kyrgios at the Tie Break Tens in Melbourne.
Like Djokovic, Nadal and Andy Murray are also doubtful starters for the Aussie Open after pulling out of the Brisbane International because of persistent knee and hip troubles respectively.
