Novak Djokovic admits he ‘didn’t want to risk it too much’, but ‘just had to play’ in Adelaide

Novak Djokovic has explained why he eventually decided to play in the Adelaide exhibition tournament after initially withdrawing from the event.
The world No 1 along with Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Jannik Sinner as well as WTA stars Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams took part in A Day at the Drive on Friday.
Djokovic, though, withdrew minutes before he was due to take on Sinner and was replaced by fellow Serbian Filip Krajinovic.
However, the 17-time Grand Slam winner emerged for the second set and the Serbian duo eventually won the match 6-3, 6-3.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t step on the court from the beginning,” Djokovic told Nine later.
“I had to do some treatment with my physio and wasn’t feeling my best the last couple of days. I didn’t know how I was going to react. I wanted to play and I wanted to get out here and hopefully it was enough for you guys.
“It’s not easy (to play with the blister) but it is part of what we do. We’re professional athletes and we learn over the years to play with pain and it’s just a question of whether that pain is bearable or not.
“Coming off a hard training block and having the ATP Cup and the Australian Open around the corner, you don’t want to risk it too much. The emotion was so strong in me to come out on the court today to see full stands and I just had to play.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Diego Schwartzman seals emotional title on home soil in Buenos Aires
Diego Schwartzman cruised to a 6-1 6-2…
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev’s stunning record in ATP 500 events continues with Rotterdam win
Andrey Rublev continued his stunning run in ATP 500 events as he defeated Marton Fucsovics 7-6(4), 6-4 to win in Rotterdam.
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer hopes to return to ‘100 per cent’ fitness in time for Wimbledon
Federer has needed two operations to correct a long-standing knee issue.
-
WTA Tour
On This Day in 2016: Maria Sharapova reveals positive drugs test
The five-time Grand Slam winner would ultimately be banned from tennis for 15 months.
-
News
Francisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA Tour
Classy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP Tour
Roger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA Tour
Garbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.