56th Novak Djokovic, seeking his eleventh Australian Open victory, is injured, according to Daria Saville.
The Serbian star injured his hamstring at the Adelaide International 1 earlier this month, raising fears about his performance at the Melbourne Major, where he has won nine times. Djokovic’s overwhelming form casts doubt on his ailment and withdrawal speculations.
Australian player Daria Saville, previously Daria Gavrilova, defended the former World No. 1 and gave some injury advice.
“A niggle, soreness, or chronic pain is not an injury. Injury is pain that prevents you from competing. I friggin know, “tweeted.
The Serbian’s pain tolerance impressed Saville.
“Novak is a machine and he can certainly withstand more pain than others, and I’m sure him and his crew spend hours and hours working on his hamstring to get it better,” she said.
Post-surgery, Saville returned to the WTA Top 50.
“I think… I played for 6 years with persistent Achilles discomfort before having surgery. Came back outside 400 and went back inside top 50 in 6 months to tweet my views :), “remarked.
“Best tennis I have played this year”—Djokovic on his 2023 Australian Open quarterfinals performance.
Djokovic, who has lost one set in four rounds at the Melbourne Major, is pleased with his tennis. The Serb defeated hometown hero Alex De Minaur 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 in a perfect exhibition that wowed spectators worldwide. The 35-year-old said it may not have been his best tennis after the match.
“Well I dont know ever, but probably greatest tennis I have played this year in this tournament, so far this season, finest match (against De Minaur),” he remarked.
The Serb said the event will become tougher but was pleased with his straight sets win over the Australian. The 21-time Grand Slam champion also reported good leg mobility and movement.
Djokovic also said he was fatigued from all the treatments and machines he needed to play, but he was delighted his body responded well.
“Tonight (against De Minaur) I didnt feel any soreness and moved as well as I have the whole tournament, it implies we are heading in the right route,” the Serb remarked of his form.
Djokovic will play Andrey Rublev in the Rod Laver Arena quarterfinals on January 25.
