Novak Djokovic admits he is being cautious over his recent leg injury ahead of his return to the Australian Open.
The Serb was unable to play at last year’s tournament after his vaccination passport was denied by Australian officials.
However a year later the former world number one is back as he searches for a 22nd Grand Slam title.
In the build-up to the opening Grand Slam of the year, Djokovic impressed by winning the title in Adelaide defeating Sebastian Korda in the final.
The only setback was that Djokovic suffered a leg/hamstring injury which bothered him during his semi-final and final of the tournament.
Speaking to the press on media day, Djokovic said that he was being cautious over the injury but hoped it wasn’t a major concern, “Well, I’ve been struggling with that a bit, to be honest, the last seven days,” Djokovic was quoted as saying by Tennis Majors.
“But it’s hopefully not the major concern. So far I’ve been able to train, compete and play points, practice sets. So that’s a positive sign.
“Obviously, I’m being a bit more cautious. I’m not going full out on the training sessions, conserving the energy for next week. Hopefully it won’t cause an issue for me then.”
The Serb will be hoping it’s not too much of an issue as he returns to Melbourne as he aims for a record-breaking tenth Australian Open title.
Djokovic admitted the reception he received during his exhibition match with Nick Kyrgios was emotional and spoke about if he held any grudges, “I was very emotional honestly coming into the court because, as I said on the on-court interview, with the reception that I received, I didn’t know how that’s going to go like after events of last year,” Djokovic said.
“I’m very grateful for the kind of energy and reception, love and support I got last night. I mean, in a way, if I do hold the grudges, probably if I’m not able to move on, I wouldn’t be here. Also, I have to say that the amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year.
“My impression of Australia, my vision of Australia, has always been very positive, and that has reflected on my performance. My results are a testament to how you feel here. I’m really looking forward to play in front of the people and hopefully bring them some good fun and good vibes.”
After last year’s chaos Djokovic will be pleased to return to Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday evening when he takes on Roberto Carballes Baena.
The Serb spoke about his chances of winning the title this year and winning a tenth Australian Open title, “I like my chances. I always like my chances,” Djokovic said.
“I train as hard as really anybody out there. There’s a lot of youngsters now that are very hungry, that want to win. They want to take a scalp off you on the big stadium. I know that.
“Experience of being in these kind of particular circumstances helps I think to have the right approach and do things in a proper way because I know when I’m healthy and playing my best, on this court I have chances really against anybody.”
Djokovic’s Route To The Title:
R1: Roberto Carballes Baena
R2: Hugo Dellien
R3: Grigor Dimitrov [27]
R4: Pablo Carreno Busta [14]
QF: Andrey Rublev [5]
SF: Casper Ruud [2]
Final: Rafael Nadal [1]
