Craig Tiley shared a very positive update about Novak Djokovic’s condition as the Australian Open boss confirmed that the Serb was in “good spirits” and that he would be ready for Friday’s showdown.
After requiring a medical timeout and having his upper left leg strapped, the Serbian tennis star managed to come back from a set down and beat Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.
While it was positive that he was able to play out the match and complete a big comeback, Djokovic’s fans grew concerned after he didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
However, the 37-year-old should be ready to take to the court on Friday and meet Alexander Zverev in the semifinal.
“I spent enough time with Novak at two o’clock this morning and he was in good spirits. He and Carlos played a great match – and not only do I think he’ll be ready for the semis, but he’d be ready to play later today,” Tiley said, via Serbian publication B92.
Novak Djokovic© Australian Open/Instagram – Fair Use
‘Concerned’ Djokovic indicated he would skip practice
In his post-match presser on Tuesday, the record 10-time Australian Open champion didn’t hide that he had certain concerns about his injury and hinted that he would skip practice and focus on recovering.
“I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team, with my physio, today, tomorrow, the next few days. Probably skip training tomorrow. I’ll see if I’m going to train in two days or not,” he said.
Now it’s really about recovery. I’m concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But, if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, and emotionally, I’m as motivated as I can be.”
In the past, Djokovic won the Australian Open a few times while not physically at his best.
In 2021, the current world No. 7 won the Happy Slam while dealing with an abdominal tear.
Two years later, he dealt with a hamstring injury going into the opening Slam of the year but still ended up collecting the title.
Tennis World USA