Novak Djokovic’s latest win at the United Cup was marred by a wrist issue that forced him to take a medical timeout after dropping the second set.
The world No.1 beat Jiri Lehecka 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1, after undergoing treatment on his wrist both before and during the match. According to the Canberra Times, Djokovic was troubled by his wrist on Tuesday morning during a practice session and underwent physio to address the issue.
Then taking to the court, he initially appeared to be back to top form after racing to a 6-1, 3-1 lead over the Czech before his wrist began playing up. A series of costly mistakes allowed Lehecka to battle back before going on to take the second set. Prompting Djokovic to take a medical timeout for treatment. Then when play resumed, the 24-time Grand Slam winner restored his stronghold in the match by winning six out of the last seven games contested.
“I managed to play through,” Djokovic said of his wrist injury.
“It’s not the first time or the last time, these things happen. You just have to manage.
“You have to find a solution and thankfully I managed to finish the match and let’s see what happens now.”
Djokovic’s win has drawn Serbia’s tie with the Czech Republic level at 1-1 after Marketa Vondrousova defeated Olga Danilovic 6-1 3-6 6-3 earlier in the day. His team must win the mixed doubles match in order to secure a spot in the quarter-finals otherwise China will win the group.
Elsewhere, Stefanos Tsitsipas was another player who was bothered by injury but unlike Djokovic he was unable to play his singles match. The Greek has been struggling with a back injury in recent weeks and is still not fully recovered. Although he is maintaining an upbeat outlook on his current situation.
“I’m much better than what I was a month ago,” Tsitsipas said.
“I wasn’t 100 per cent sure that I would have the chance to play the United Cup and it
“I went through tough times… Today, I was feeling great but there was just one moment during the match that I felt something.
“I don’t think I should be concerned about it too much, it’s not a major issue that I’m facing.”
Tsitsipas did play in the mixed doubles alongside Maria Sakkari but they lost 6-7(5), 6-3, 10-6, to Daniela Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera in the mixed doubles. Chile won the tie 2-1 with their other victory being Nicolas Jarry’s win over Stefanos Sakellaridis (6-3 3-6 7-5). .
