Novak Djokovic, wrist worries more than defeat

Wrist problems for Novak Djokovic

It had been six years since Novak Djokovic had lost a match within the Australian borders, but more than the knockout suffered on Wednesday in the United Cup against Alex de Minaur (able to impose himself 6-4, 6-4 after an hour and thirty-four minutes of play) it is the condition of the Serb’s right wrist that worries fans and insiders ahead of the Australian Open.

Already on Tuesday, Nole was forced to withdraw from the mixed doubles he was to face, along with Olga Danilovic, against Czechs Miriam Kolodziejova and Petr Nouza (in Djokovic’s place played Hamad Medjedovic). Today the Serbian champion è returned to the court, but è seemed far from optimal form.

"The more I play, the more it hurts" Djokovic told his physiotherapist during a break in the match against De Minaur. Words that can only worry fans, as the Australian Slam begins in less than two weeks and Djokovic è called for confirmation of the title he won in 2023.

For the record, Australia also won the second point against Serbia, clinching the United Cup quarterfinal: the decisive point, after the one won by De Minaur against Djokovic, è came thanks to Ajla Tomljanovic, who was able to beat Serbian Natalija Stevanovic with a clear 6-1, 6-1.