Novak Djokovic has attracted some more attention for managing to play and win a couple of matches despite having an abdominal injury. The Serbian sensation revealed that he wasn’t even sure if he could compete anymore in Melbourne with his condition. Novak added that he was still playing the event only because it is a slam otherwise, he would have retired.
The injury controversy
Novak is a legend and with his incredible mental strength, he is not new to finding the solution while coping with adversity. However, many think that Novak has exaggerated the entity of his injury.
Daniil Medvedev was among the players who expressed his admiration for the world no.1, saying that he was positively surprised after Djokovic won his match against Fritz. Daniil commented:
“I definitely, yeah, just saw that he was in pain. So I was surprised when I saw him winning. That’s why he has 18 Grand Slams. That’s why he’s amazing.”
When asked about Djokovic’s injury, Stefanos Tsitsipas replied as follows:
“I didn’t watch the match [vs. Fritz]. I think it was too late. Bedtime for me. I hear he played really well in the fifth. I don’t have much more information. I heard he was kind of injured. I’m not even sure. It happens to everyone. I don’t know if he is actually injured.”
Tsitsipas at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Now ranked no.6, Tsitsipas achieved a compiled 5-0 record in 2021. The Greek is now having a run at the Australian Open where he conquered Gilles Simon 6-1 6-2 6-1, Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-75 6-4 6-1 6-75 6-4 and Mikael Ymer 6-4 6-1 6-1.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will compete against Berrettini in the 4th round. Their actual head to head record is 2-0 for Tsitsipas.
Stefanos won 5 titles in his career: 1 on clay courts and 4 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Medvedev at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Ranked world no.4 (career-high), Medvedev achieved a composed 7-0 record in 2021. Daniil is now competing at the Australian Open where he defeated Vasek Pospisil 6-2 6-2 6-4, Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2 7-5 6-1 and Filip Krajinovic 6-3 6-3 4-6 3-6 6-0.
Daniil Medvedev will play Mcdonald in the 4th round. Their current head to head is 3-0 for Medvedev.
Daniil won 10 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts and 5 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev played each other 6 times. Their head to head is 5-1 for Medvedev. Previously, the last time they squared off, Stefanos Tsitsipas won 7-6(5) 6-4 in the round robin in London (Nitto ATP Finals) in November 2019.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Djokovic at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Ranked world no.1, the Serbian has managed to achieve a compiled 6-0 match record in 2021. Novak is playing at the moment at the Australian Open where he managed to beat Jeremy Chardy 6-3 6-1 6-2, Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-73 7-62 6-3, Taylor Harry Fritz 7-61 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-2 and Milos Raonic 7-64 4-6 6-1 6-4.
Novak Djokovic will compete against Zverev in the quarter. Their current record is 5-2 for Djokovic.
The Serbian won 82 titles in his career: 48 on hard courts, 15 on clay courts, 13 on indoor courts and 6 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
