Novak Djokovic abruptly cut short an Australian Open training hit-out, with fears mounting that the nine-time champion might not be fit when the major starts on Monday.
The Serb who is back in Australia after his deportation a year ago for trying to enter without a COVID vaxx, was unable to complete a scheduled hour on court with Daniil Mdevedev.
Djokovic on Sunday started his season with a 92nd career title as he won the Adelaide event, where he was treated on court for a hamstring problem.
“I didn’t want to risk anything worse,” he said after pulling the plug on training after just 36 minutes.
.“It’s the hamstring that I had problems with in Adelaide last week,” the 36-year-old told Australia’s Nine network.
“I just felt it pulling and I didn’t want to risk anything worse. I played a set and apologised to him (Medvedev) and he was understanding.
“I just want to avoid any bigger scares before the Australian Open.”
Djokovic is seeded fourth at Melbourne Park for the first major of the season; he is looking for a 22nd Grand Slam singles title which would pull him level with Rafael Nadal.
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic won 2023 Adelaide International – by Tennis Australia
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