Fears that Novak Djokovic could be the latest in a series of high-profile names dealing with injury concerns ahead of the Australian Open has eased with the help of some late-night treatment from his physio on Saturday.
Questions over the current fitness of the 21-time Grand Slam champion were triggered in the semi-finals of the Adelaide International when Djokovic appeared to be bothered by his leg whilst playing Daniil Medvedev. A match he went on to win in straight sets. Returning to the court 24 hours later, the Serbian moved freely throughout his marathon showdown with Sebastian Korda that lasted more than three hours before he prevailed 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-4.
Shortly after claiming his 92nd Tour title, Djokovic confirmed that he had undergone treatment on his hamstring on Saturday evening but is not concerned it could be a threat to his bid to win a record 10th Australian Open title later this month.
“I woke up all right. Went deep into the night last night with work done with the physio,” the world No.5 said during his press conference. “Talk with the doctors, as well, of the tournament, etc.
“There was a lot of care going into today’s match about the hamstring. It was all right.
“Few times in the match I felt was tightening up the muscle, but nothing that would worry me for my performance.”
Djokovic’s focus now switches to Melbourne Park where he will be playing for the first time since 2021. Last year the tennis star missed the event after being deported following a legal dispute over the legitimacy of his visa. He was initially handed a three-year ban from returning until last November when the latest Australian government decided to remove that penalty.
“I don’t hold any grudges,” said Djokovic. “I told you I had far many more positive experiences in Australia to throw that away just because of what happened last year.
“I feel very comfortable with people, normal people, that follow sport, that I encounter on an everyday basis. I haven’t had any negative experience so far. So every person that I met, whether it’s in the city or in the woods, I actually met a few kangaroos, as well, had a chat with them, everyone was very kind, very supportive.
“So there is no reason for me to feel differently than what I’m receiving from them.”
There is something about Australia that makes the 35-year-old play at his very best. Since 2019, he has won 34 matches in a row in the country. Overall, he has won 23 out of his last 24 matches played on the Tour.
Besides having the chance to extend his record as the most decorated male singles player in Australian Open history, Djokovic also has a shot at drawing level with nemesis Rafael Nadal for most Grand Slam titles won by a male player at 22. Nadal will be the top seed, as well as the defending champion, in this year’s draw.
“I love playing in Australia. I mean, my results are a testament to that. I wouldn’t be able to play so well in a place where I don’t feel well,” Djokovic commented.
“I look forward to Melbourne. Rod Laver is probably my most — not probably, it certainly is my most successful court in my career. I love playing there. I look forward to it.
“I have a week off for recovery now and working on specific things in terms of my game, my body, getting my mind in the right state for the best-of-five and two long weeks hopefully.”
The Australian Open will start on January 16th.
