Novak Djokovic started the week on a very high note after he blew away Matteo Berrettini in his first match when conceding just 3 games (6-2 6-1). Nole’s chances to regain the world no.1 rank after this week were reinforced by a below-par performance from Rafael Nadal in the other group after the Spaniard lost in straight sets to Sascha Zverev.
Unfortunately, the Serbian sensation encountered a “different reality” soon after when he lost at the hands of a magnificent Dominic Thiem a tough 3-setter. Things got even worse in his last match as he was beaten by an inspired Roger Federer in straight sets to fail to qualify for the semifinal. That also meant for Novak that he had to relinquish his dream of ending the year at the top of the rankings.
About his elbow injury
In the first 2 matches, Novak was seen shaking his right arm a couple of times trying to get loose. However, it seems as that was a sign that he was starting to feel discomfort to his right elbow that was an injury that almost ended his glorious career. In the press conference that followed his match with Federer, the former world no.1 commented:
“I hope it’s nothing that will really make me unable to play Madrid. “The pain was pretty sharp. But I could play the rest of the match, so, if I had something really serious, I think I wouldn’t be able to hold the racket. So it was probably just an awkward, quick movement that I did. It did not pose any form of issues later on.”
Will Djokovic play the Davis Cup?
Novak is expected to play the Davis Cup next week to represent Serbia. His team is in group A with France and Japan and his presence is obviously the key for Serbia to win the competition.
Novak commented:
“Of course the gas tank is not as full as the beginning of the season, but I am motivated to join the guys and play there, because I have not played in the team competition of Davis Cup for some time. So I look forward to it.”
Djokovic is expected to play the Davis Cup if the problem to his elbow persists. Time will tell.
Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.2, Novak played his last match on the 14th of November when he capitulated to Roger Federer 6-4 6-3 in the Round Robin in London.
This year Novak has a 54-11 win-loss record. Djokovic clinched 5 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid, in Wimbledon, in Tokyo and in Paris. The Serbian was the finalist in Rome.
Federer in London, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.3, the Swiss has a 51-9 win-loss record in 2019. Roger is now having a run in London where he defeated Matteo Berrettini 7-62 6-3 and Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3.
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer played each other 50 times. The head to head is 27-23 for Djokovic.
The last time that they played, Roger Federer won 6-4 6-3 in the Round Robin in London on the 14th November 2019.
Here the highlights.
Novak Djokovic |
| Embed from Getty Images |
