Novak Djokovic battles minor physical issues ahead of US Open

Novak Djokovic confirmed that he is dealing with physical issues ahead of the US Open but clarified that “it’s nothing serious in the wider context.” The 24-time Grand Slam champion will begin his title defense at Flushing Meadows on Monday against Moldovan Radu Albot (No. 138).

On Friday morning, Djokovic trained for about an hour with Holger Rune on an outside court and was then supposed to continue on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. However, he didn’t make it to the court, even though members of his team brought Nole’s racquets, as he received treatment after the first session.

The 37-year-old has practiced normally on Saturday and Sunday. In an interview with Serbian media, the world No. 2 provided an update on his physical condition: “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,” said the world No. 2.

“Today (on Saturday), it wasn’t much of an issue, so I practised with [Stan] Wawrinka both on the outside court and on Ashe, where we get an hour per day. So far, everything is fine, it’s nothing serious in the wider context,” he added. “I’m not in my twenties anymore, I can’t chase the tournaments that are not an absolute priority,” Djokovic explained. “As you guys know, those are Slams, Davis Cup, and the Olympics."

“Those inspire me to compete, but I also enjoy the process of practice, of building up your form, body, and mind for the biggest challenges, such as this one in New York,” the 5-time US Open champion added. “It would probably be better if I had a few matches under my belt, but that was the calendar this year, the Games were the priority.”

“I came to New York on Tuesday, practising every day and raising my level, although, I must admit, I am jet-lagged more than usual. I don’t know what’s going on, it’s like a part of me stayed in Europe.”

Nonetheless, the Serbian commented that once he begins his participation in the tournament, he will undoubtedly leave everything behind and take to the court with his usual competitive spirit: “I know that, when a tournament this big starts, I have a mode inside me that is different – when the ball starts rolling, when it starts, I am just a different competitor,” Djokovic said. “I hope that the first match will go well, that’s always desirable, and then we’ll take it from there.”