Djokovic downplays ‘nothing major’ hip injury

Novak Djokovic insists the hip problem that bothered him during his third round win at the Australian Open is “nothing major.”

The former World No 1 was forced to call a medical timeout during the second set of his match against Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

It was clear that it was his hip that was bothering, a concern given Djokovic’s recent injury problems.

The Serb, though, is adamant it was more of a precaution than an actual injury.

“Nothing major,” he insisted. “I haven’t played in six months. We have to take that in consideration.

“I’ve played a long match against Gael [Monfils] a few days ago.

“I mean, this didn’t happen too many times in my career that I have maybe some tensions in the muscles or whatever, some kind of physical challenges.

“I’m kind of forced to be very cautious of what happens day-to-day, be dedicated to my body and training.”

He won the match 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 and reckons his game is progressing well in his first Grand Slam since returning from an elbow injury.

“As I said, I’m really pleased with where my game is at at the moment,” he added.

“It was great for me to actually get into that long exchanges and rallies, to get some rhythm on the court after the Gael Monfils match, which was really up and down, strange conditions of play.”

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