- Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic had has issues with his right elbow
- He had surgery done in 2018
- He says that he is managing
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has admitted that his right elbow is not in the best medical condition.
The world No.1 who previously had surgery on this elbow in 2018, raised concerns about his fitness during a shocking loss to Lorenzo Musetti in Monte Carlo last week and wore strapping on his elbow.
After that match, Djokovic declined to address the subject, but he spoke candidly during a press conference this week before his opening round at the Srpska Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to Daily Mail, the Serbian tennis star told the press at Banja Luka that his elbow isn’t in the best shape but he still can play.
“The elbow is not in an ideal condition, but let’s say it’s good enough. I hope it will be fully ready for the first match,” he said.
Novak Djokovic. Photo/Independent.ie
Djokovic has four more weeks to get into top for ahead of the French Open where he will face his all-time rival Rafael Nadal who is also nursing a hip injury.
Nadal sustained the injury at the Australian Open making this year’s Roland Garros event the most competitive in 20 years.
As he angles to stay in top form ahead of the French Open, Djokovic will face 18-year-old Frenchman Luca Van Assche in his first encounter.
Superstar athletes rarely compete at the smaller ATP Tour tournaments, but Djokovic did not want to pass up the opportunity to play so close to home.
He says that he got a warm welcome in Bosnia and it’s exciting that he will play here
The people welcome me wholeheartedly with a great reception and so much love and support,’ said the 35-year-old,” he said.
“So I’m super excited to be here because I think it’s one of the best places for us Serbian tennis players and athletes in general to be able to perform where we have so much love and support from local people.”
Meanwhile, Nadal’s decision to withdraw from the Barcelona Open next week, has sparked concerns that he is contemplating retiring from tennis.
Nadal, who will turn 37 later this year, is nearing the twilight of a stellar ATP Tour career that has cemented his place among the best tennis players ever had.
However, a protracted spate of injuries in the past year and a half could hinder his plans to end his career as the player with the most Grand Slam victories.
Rafael Nadal Training. Photo/Tennis.com
The Spaniard has 22 Grand Slam victories but he is yet to play in any regular tournament after the Australian Open exit due to injury.
Since the 2022 US Open Nadal has only participated played eight matches which was partly due to a longstanding foot injury which he once said is nearly incurable even if he quits tennis.
Nadal acknowledges that it has taken longer than anticipated for him to return to peak shape as he is now suffering from a hip injury which caused a lot of discomfort at the start of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
He had earlier told his fans that he would be out of the court for eight weeks starting late January but he has been out of action for longer.
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