Novak Djokovic gives major update on his worrying wrist injury ahead of Australian Open
The good news for Novak Djokovic is his troublesome wrist has not given him any problems during practice sessions ahead of his Australian Open title defence, but he concedes there are still question marks over the injury.
Djokovic was first troubled by the right wrist injury during Serbia’s United Cup Group E tie against the Czech Republic and it again flared up during his defeat to Alex De Minaur during the quarter-final.
There were initially major concerns that the injury could linger during the build-up to the Australian Open, but the 24-time Grand Slam winner insists it is fine.
“My wrist is good. I had time from the last match against De Minaur in the United Cup to my first match here to recover. I’ve been training well. Practice sessions pain-free so far. It’s all looking good. Let’s see how it goes,” he said.
The world No 1 added: “It’s not as bad as some other injuries I had here – 2021 and last year I had worse injuries that I had to deal with.
“I can’t predict whether it’s going to come back. Once I start playing more matches, stress levels go higher. I don’t know. We have to find out.”
READ MORE: 7 incredible Novak Djokovic Australian Open stats that showcase the Serb’s dominance
Djokovic will take on Croatian teenager Dino Prizmic in the first round on Sunday and, following yet another successful year that saw him the Australian Open, French Open and US Open, he is targeting more glory.
He is gunning for a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park and victory would also see him extend his Grand Slam tally to 25 – three more than Rafael Nadal.
“It’s no secret that I verbalise my goals and I say clearly that I want to win every Slam that I play in,” he said.
“It’s no different this year. I’m just hoping I can start the season in a way that I have been starting my seasons, most of my seasons, throughout my career: with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne.
“My favourite place, no doubt. The court where I’ve done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results.
“I hope that I’m going to be able to, if not play at the level that I did last year, then be very close to that, because that was one of the best tennis levels that I’ve ever played, here in Australia last year.
“The season is so long. Grand Slams, Olympics, those are the big goals. I have to see how it goes here and think about everything else when it comes around the corner.”
