Novak Djokovic skips practice for second day in a row: Here's why it is unlikely to be a concern ahead of Zverev clash
ATP
Novak Djokovic has decided to skip practice for a second day in a row ahead of his semi-final clash tomorrow with Alexander Zverev at the 2025 Australian Open. But here is why there is little to be concerned about.
Djokovic sustained an injury during his victory over Carlos Alcaraz which also prompted the Spaniard to seemingly fake his own injury on court which was called into question. While John McEnroe also called out Djokovic even having one in the first place.
It seems to be common place whether mere coincidence or not that Djokovic can find a way to win even when injured or taking a medical timeout which bands around conspiracy theories.
But while he hasn't practiced in two days, Djokovic tends similar to his warm-up schedules for Grand Slams not to take this into account. He usually takes rest days especially being on the older scale compared to his rivals and picks and chooses when he practices.
It has been a usual tactic for years so while there will be concerns about how injury will manifest itself against Zverev, there is perhaps little to be concerned about in the grand scheme of things given it is a usual Djokovic tactic in order to rest and recover.
“It’s definitely going to be challenging from every aspect. I’m playing Zverev, who is in great form, and he is going for his first grand slam," said Djokovic after his last win over Alcaraz where he came from a set down to win.
“I think he loves the conditions. He’s got a big serve. He’s a super dangerous opponent on this surface against anyone. The extra day with no match comes at a good time.
“I hope to be able physically to be moving freely and to be able to be ready to play five sets.”
Novak Djokovic canceled his practice on Thursday at the Australian Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2025
He is scheduled to practice on Friday ahead of his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev.
After his quarterfinal match, he said he was concerned about the injury he sustained while playing Carlos… pic.twitter.com/Hc4Vo74La0
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
