Novak Djokovic is playing an overcomplicated slam this year at the US Open. The Serbian sensation has managed to reach the 4th round at the Flushing Meadows without losing a single set, but he is clearly struggling with his shoulder injury.
Why is Djokovic battling with his left shoulder?
The world no.1 has a problem to his left shoulder that is affecting his serve (ball toss?) and obviously the backhand. The Serbian sensation was struggling during his 2nd round match against Londero to wonder about the opportunity to end the contest. Later, during the post-match press-conference, Nole admitted that he was pretty concerned about his condition, but he was determined to do everything to regain his condition.
Djokovic updates the press…
After his victorious 3rd round against Denis Kudla, the world no.1 looked still a bit tense in following the press-conference even if he revealed that he was quite happy for being almost pain-free. Nole commented: “It’s almost pain-free. Has a little bit of pain, but I’m really pleased with the way it went.”
… then he refused to elaborate
Then Djokovic refused to give any other information. When he was asked about the diagnosis, he replied: “Forgive me, I’m not going to talk about it.”
At the end of the press-conference, a journalist asked Djokovic what treatment he had and again the world no.1 refused to elaborate to say:
“As I said, I would appreciate if you respect me not talking about it in details. I mean, I understand you guys want to know. I made a decision not to get into details, not to speak about it. Please understand me.
I’m very glad about the way it went. I am able to play. That for me is a huge blessing today because it was probably the complete opposite two days ago. I did not practice yesterday, that’s true. I did a lot of things in the last few days to be able to play.”
Federer’s rivalry
This slam could be another key tournament for Djokovic to close-up to Federer’s slam record (20). The Serbian has now 16 majors under his belt and he needs to keep the momentum after his amazing win in Wimbledon against the Swiss. Djokovic may face Roger in the semifinal in New York, but even if he would be the favorite, he still has to go through Wawrinka and probably Daniil Medvedev. That means that he needs to be at his very best to walk through this arduous path and he needs to be at the top of his form.
Djokovic at the U.S. Open ranking, and results in 2019
Now ranked no.1, Djokovic has a 41-7 win-loss record in 2019. The Serbian is playing at the moment at the U.S. Open where he ousted Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4 6-1 6-4, Juan Ignacio Londero 6-4 7-63 6-1 and Denis Kudla 6-3 6-4 6-2.
Djokovic will fight against Stan Wawrinka in the 4th round. The head to head is 20-5 for Djokovic.
The last time that they played each other, won 6-71 6-4 7-5 6-3 in the final in New York in September 2016.
The Serbian conquered 3 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid and in Wimbledon. Djokovic 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)
