Former world No.1 Novak Djokovic has said that he is still ‘kind of injured’ whilst speaking to Greek media on Wednesday.
The Serbian ended his season shortly after the Wimbledon championships in July due to an elbow injury. Doctors have advised Djokovic to rest his elbow, which was made worse due to ‘excessive playing.’
Despite being away from the tour, Djokovic is keeping himself busy. On Wednesday he travelled to Athens to watch a special tribute basketball match to Dusan Ivkovic. Ivkovic was an instrumental basketball coach in the Balkan region during the 1980s and 1990s. Some of his achievements include guiding Yugoslavia to a silver medal at the 1988 Olympic games as well as three gold medals in the Eurobasket competition. This year he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
“I’m coming in order to join all the other athletes to pay tribute to Dusan Ivkovic, who has made an incredible career as a player, and as a coach.” Djokovic told Novasports.
.@DjokerNole : “Dusan Ivkovic is a father to all of us in sports” pic.twitter.com/JTwFaH20mx
— Eurohoops.net (@Eurohoopsnet) 20 September 2017
Djokovic has always been an avid basketball fan, seen watching numerous matches from the sides of the court. Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Serbia. Asked by a journalist in Athens if he is tempted to ‘hit a three-pointer’ during the all-star game, the 12-time grand slam champion joked about the prospect after giving an insight into his own current level of fitness.
“I will probably sit down and watch other legends how it’s done.” He said. “I play basketball, but right now not so much because of my elbow. I’m still kind of injured so I’m not playing tennis, but if the opportunity arises, maybe.”
A new life
Two weeks ago the 30-year-old welcomed the arrival of his second child with his wife Jelena. A little girl called Tara. In the past, players on the tour has said becoming parents has impacted on their own perspective in the sport and made them want to work harder. A sentiment that Djokovic also shares.
“It’s completely a different stage of my life right now to what it was five years ago. I am a father of two children and I have so much more purpose in life. To continue playing tennis, to continue to try to be the best version of myself. I just try to enjoy and bring positive energy.” He explained.
Currently ranked sixth in the world, Djokovic will start the new season ranked outside the top ten for the first time since 2007.
