After overcoming a wrist injury, Novak Djokovic defeated Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-1, and advanced Serbia to the United Cup quarterfinals. Djokovic was experiencing wrist pain during practice on Tuesday morning, requiring extensive care from his physiotherapist.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was expected to easily defeat Lehecka after taking the first set and leading 3-1 in the second, but as the match progressed, his wrist problems became more severe, and he began making an unusual number of errors.
After losing the second set tiebreak, Djokovic had to take a medical break, but he bounced back with a double break to win the third set.
Djokovic said of his injury after the match: “I managed to play through. It’s not the first or last time these things happen. You have to find a solution and thankfully I managed to finish the match. Let’s see what happens now.”
Djokovic decided not to participate in the mixed doubles because Serbia had secured a quarterfinal position and he wanted to rest his wrist.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
Ranked no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 2nd of January when he defeated world no.31 Jiri Lehecka 6-1 6-7(3) 6-1 in the round robin in Australia (draw).
Currently, during this year Novak has managed to achieve a compiled 2-0 record.
Djokovic is scheduled to play next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 14th of January.