Fear and hope: Novak Djokovic has not yet fully cured his elbow injury shortly before the Australian Open. The top seeded Rafael Nadal, however, feels fit despite missing match practice.
In the end, Novak Djokovic once again advanced to Novak “Choco”vic: After his press conference on Saturday in Melbourne Park, the Australian Open record winner spoiled the media representatives with large chocolates. According to old tradition, the Serbian did not miss the opportunity to serve the sweet delicacies personally. The same procedure… maybe as a good omen.
At the first major tournament of the year, however, Djokovic does not want to be in a donor mood with his opponents. However, behind the shape and physical condition of the 30-year-old is still a question mark, as his elbow injury is still not completely cured,”It hasn’t healed 100 percent yet,”said Djokovic, but put it into perspective:”I’m competitive, and it’s getting better every day. I hope I’m at 100 percent by the start of the tournament.”
The six-time champion will face the American Donald Young in his first-round match on Tuesday. Djokovic had played his last official match in Wimbledon six months ago, missing the preparation tournaments for the happy slam in Abu Dhabi and Doha,”The elbow wasn’t ready to be on duty every day,”explained Djokovic, who has the most service problems. He doesn’t know how his body reacts after the long break,”I’ve never been away that long before.”
On the other hand, world number one Rafael Nadal is more confident in the start of the event on the Yarra River – even though he had traveled to Melbourne for the first time in his career without an official match in preparation,”This is a new situation for me,”said the 31-year-old:”But I feel good, I had a good training week and a half. I think I play more or less good tennis.”
Djokovic, however, follows Grandmaster Roger Federer, who won two major titles last year after a six-month break,”Roger has shown how someone can look after themselves, work on himself and return at the right time,” explained Nole.