Novak Djokovic has won his 2nd round at the US Open in straight sets, but he is not a happy guy right now.
Unfortunately, the Serbian sensation is struggling with his left shoulder that is affecting his serve and backhand. The world no.1 was still exceptional in beating Ignacio Londero, 6-4 7-6 (3) 6-1, but he confessed that he wasn’t sure he could end the match. Nole had to use frequently the help of the trainer on court and there are serious doubts about his chances to compete in the following rounds. Only in this match, Djokovic was broken 5 times.
Djokovic about his should injury
Talking with the ESPN, Novak commented:
“It was definitely affecting my serve and backhand but look I don’t want to talk about it too much. Obviously I want to congratulate Londero for showing a great fighting spirit and playing some great tennis tonight. It’s a straight-set win, but it was definitely a very difficult match to play, a lot of rallies, especially in the first couple of sets.
I was definitely tested, and this is something I have been carrying for quite a while now, and it wasn’t easy obviously playing with pain, but you have to find a way to fight and hope that you get some lucky shots and get some opportunities.
It’s not the first time that I am facing this kind of adversity so to say or challenge. It is what it is and I am just grateful to be on the court.”
Why Djokovic may choose to withdraw from the US Open
Novak was considered as the top favorite to win the Flushing Meadows. However, having an injury so early in the tournament could be fatal for Djokovic’s chances to defend his title. If the shoulder doesn’t improve in the next few days he may make things worse for the rest of the season without having many chances to win the US Open.
THE GOAT RACE. Djokovic battling for the world no.1 record
However, Nole is also chasing Roger Federer’s record as the man that stayed the most at the top of the rankings. The Serb needs to stay no.1 for another year to beat the Swiss, but Nadal is in top form and he is leading the year to date rankings. Therefore, even if Djokovic doesn’t win the last slam of the year, he might be interesting at having at least a deep run.
We need to wait another day to understand Novak’s decision.
Djokovic at the U.S. Open and results in 2019
Currently world no. 1, Novak has a 40-7 win-loss record in 2019. Novak is playing at the U.S. Open where he defeated Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4 6-1 6-4 and Juan Ignacio Londero 6-4 7-63 6-1.
Novak has won 3 titles in 2019 in at the Australian Open, Madrid and in Wimbledon. The Serbian was the finalist in Rome.
Djokovic won 75 titles in his career. 43 on hard courts, 14 on clay courts, 12 on indoor courts and 6 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
