Novak Djokovic has admitted that his right elbow is not in great shape ahead of his first match at the Banja Luka Open. Before the Monte Carlo Masters, the world No 1 had not played a competitive match for over a month as he was unable to play at the Indian Wells and Miami Open in the United States, due to his unvaccinated Covid-19 status.
The Serbian finally returned to action in Monte Carlo earlier this month, however, he tasted a shock defeat to Lorenzo Musetti as he went down 6-4, 5-7, 4-6 against the Italian in the third round. Throughout the match, Djokovic appeared to be nursing an elbow injury as he looked to his coaches in worry.
After the match, just his second on clay this season, the 22-time grand slam champion refused to give any detail about the injury. In a press conference, he said: “I cannot say anything. I’m okay. I’m fine. I’m not really in the mood to speak.”
Ahead of his opening match at the ATP 250 event in Banja Luka this week, the 35-year-old revealed that his elbow is not 100 per cent. “My elbow is not in an ideal shape but good enough to be ready for the first match,” he said.
“One of the good things in tennis is that you get new a opportunity to prove your worth every week and take a step forward. I’ve turned over a new leaf. Naturally, I wasn’t satisfied with the result in Monte Carlo. But ever since I landed, I’ve felt welcomed in Banja Luka, a lot of positive energy and positive emotions.”
On Wednesday, the 35-year-old will face 87th-ranked French teenager Luca Van Assche, who ousted Stan Wawrinka 1-6, 7-6, 6-4, in the second round of the Bosnian tournament.
The top seed added: “I don’t know much about the young French player. I thought Wawrinka would win the match. I saw [Van Assche] play but not for long, he is a real fighter, fast, it’s difficult to get past him. No one should be underestimated.”
On the topic of facing Djokovic, the French prospect revealed he is “excited” about facing one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He said: “It will be incredible for me and I’m only 18. I know that the crowd will not be with me, I think, but I will enjoy and I will try to win.”
Djokovic has made it no secret that winning the majors is top of his priority list this season.
The Serb drew level with Rafael Nadal on the men’s singles grand slam record of 22 titles when he won January’s Australian Open – and one of them could pull ahead by winning a 23rd in Paris next month.
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