Novak Djokovic faced a setback in his United Cup match against Alex de Minaur as his request for a medical timeout was seemingly denied during their encounter. The world No. 1, grappling with wrist issues, had sought treatment on Tuesday and required further assistance on Wednesday.
In a turn of events, Djokovic engaged in a discussion with the trainer when he learned that medical attention could only be provided during changeovers due to the recurrent nature of the injury, rather than being deemed a new issue.
The Serbian star’s right wrist problems resurfaced during Serbia’s United Cup quarter-final against Australia. After dropping the second set to Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday, Djokovic managed to secure a victory with a remarkable comeback of 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1.
Expressing optimism about recovery for the next tie against Australia, Djokovic revealed his intention to use the afternoon hours for additional recuperation.
However, the persistent nature of Djokovic’s wrist concerns became evident as the physio intervened during changeovers in his match against De Minaur on Wednesday.
Confusion ensued when Djokovic questioned the physio about his inability to receive a full medical timeout. The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared frustrated, responding to an inaudible comment with, “What are you talking about, it’s the injury you treated yesterday?”
The source of the disagreement stemmed from Djokovic entering the court with the same injury he had experienced on Tuesday, potentially rendering him ineligible for an official medical timeout. Djokovic argued that the issue had initially improved before the match but worsened as he started playing.
Challenging the logic behind denying treatment for a recurring injury, Djokovic emphasized the worsening condition during the game, stating, “So the logic in that, if it continues getting worse the next day you won’t treat it because it has already been recurring yesterday? I said it has improved before the match and when I started playing, and the more I’m playing, it’s getting worse. That’s what I told you.”
As the physio left the court at the conclusion of the changeover, commentator Jim Courier noted that Djokovic seemed dissatisfied with the confusing conversation, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the implications of this unusual situation in the ongoing United Cup.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
Currently ranked no.1, Novak played his last match on the 3rd of January when he was defeated by world no.12 Alex De Minaur 6-4 6-4 in the quarter in Australia (draw).
Currently, during this season Djokovic owns a 2-1 win-loss record.
Djokovic will play next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 14th of January.
Novak Djokovic |
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