SO SAD: Novak Djokovic addresses US Open injury ‘problems’ as he sends ‘different mode’ warning.
Novak Djokovic has admitted that he has been suffering with some physical “issues” ahead of the 2024 US Open, but that they are “not serious in the larger context.”
The 24-time major champion also stated that he has a “different” mode within himself and that he is “just a different competitor” when big tournaments begin.
Djokovic worked with Holger Rune for about an hour on an outer court at Flushing Meadows on Friday and was scheduled to continue working with the Dane at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite having his baggage carried to the court and members of his squad present, Djokovic did not participate in the second half of the practice after undergoing treatment.
While this sparked concerns about Djokovic’s fitness before of his US Open title defence, the 37-year-old trained on Saturday and Sunday.
In an interview with Serbian media, Djokovic delivered an update on his physical condition that should reassure his fans.
“On Friday, I practised for an hour on the outside courts, and then I had some issues, so I didn’t practise any further at Arthur Ashe,” revealed the world’s number two.
“Today (Saturday), it wasn’t a big deal, so I practiced with [Stan] Wawrinka on the outside court and on Ashe, where we get an hour every day. So far, everything is fine; nothing serious in the larger context.”
The tennis legend was also questioned about his lack of hard-court matches coming into the New York major after withdrawing from the Masters 1000 titles in Montreal and Cincinnati.
“I’m not in my twenties anymore, I can’t chase the tournaments that are not absolute priority,” explained the Serbian player. “As you all know, those are the Slams, Davis Cup, and the Olympics.
“Those motivate me to compete, but I also enjoy the process of practicing, of preparing your form, body, and mind for the most difficult challenges, such as this one in New York.”
“It would have been preferable if I had a few matches under my belt, but that was the schedule this year, and the Games were the focus.
“I arrived in New York on Tuesday and have been practising every day to raise my level, but I must admit that I am more jet-lagged than usual. I’m not sure what’s going on; it’s as if a part of me remained in Europe.
“I know that when a tournament of this magnitude begins, I go into a different mentality; when the ball starts rolling, I am just a different competitor.
“I hope that the first match will go well, that’s always desirable, and then we’ll take it from there.”
Djokovic’s campaign will begin Wednesday against world No. 138 Radu Albot, a Moldovan qualifier. This will be the Serbian’s first match since defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic gold medal final.
