Goran Ivanisevic provides update on Novak Djokovic injury ahead of Australian Open

Goran Ivanisevic has given an update on the fitness of Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open amid concerns over the Serb’s wrist injury at the United Cup.

The 2001 Wimbledon champion explained that Djokovic’s wrist issue is “not a big problem” and declared he will be ready to play the year’s first Grand Slam. 

Djokovic took a medical timeout for a right wrist injury in his three-set United Cup win against Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday – sparking some concern with the Australian Open due to start on January 14.

The 36-year-old then struggled with the issue in his 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Alex de Minaur on Wednesday, where he received treatment again and looked out of sorts throughout.

The world No 1 addressed the injury in his press conference after losing to the Australian: “I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open, and that’s what matters the most at this point.

“I think I’ll be okay, to be honest. It did have quite an impact, you know, particularly on the forehand and serve. Again, I don’t want to be spending too much time talking about it and taking away credit, the victory from de Minaur. I guess we move on, and for me, with my thoughts in Melbourne.”

In an interview with Serbian outlet B92, Ivanisevic conveyed that he was not concerned by Djokovic’s injury and explained the Serbian’s United Cup appearance had served its purpose.

“I think that Alex played really well, tactically smart. There is that problem with the wrist, but the most important thing is that he will be ready in 10-11 days,” the 52-year-old Croatian said.

“And we’ll have a few days of rest, so we’ll start training slowly. It’s not a big problem. We came here to play a few matches, that’s what he did. He played three good matches. Maybe today it wasn’t good in terms of results, but he was certainly a good preparation and that’s what he needed.”

Djokovic has won nine of his 24 Grand Slam titles since former world No 2 and 22-time ATP titlist Ivanisevic joined his team in 2019.

The world No 1 is hoping to secure an 11th Australian Open title in Melbourne this year and has won the event the last four times he has competed.

The Serbian overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the final of the 2023 Australian Open to claim the first of three majors he won last year.

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