- Neck complaint could hinder his title chances
Novak Djokovic’s preparation for the Australian Open has been thrown into chaos due to a neck injury.
Djokovic, 38, is gunning for his 11th men’s singles title at Melbourne Park – but his practice session on Wednesday could prove telling.
The world No.4 was on Rod Laver Arena with Daniil Medvedev and reportedly looked out of sorts.
Always the consummate professional, Djokovic then returned for an afternoon court session.
He lasted just 12 minutes, with Djokovic’s physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic spotted working on his neck, which was hampering the 24-time Grand Slam winner’s serve.
It comes after Djokovic skipped this week’s ATP 250 event in Adelaide – and last year’s ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
Novak Djokovic’s preparation for the Australian Open has been thrown into chaos due to a neck injury
On Wednesday, the world no.4 was on Rod Laver Arena with Daniil Medvedev and reportedly looked out of sorts (pictured)
Djokovic is expected to face Frances Tiafoe in an exhibition match on Thursday, with the Australian Open starting on January 18.
Meanwhile, Aussie tennis great Mark Woodforde believes retirement is imminent for Djokovic.
‘My opinion is if he doesn’t post a good result at the AO, I wouldn’t be surprised if he calls it a day,’ he told Tennis365.
‘Mediocrity is not something that you put into the same sentence with Novak Djokovic.
‘I think the ageing process, unfortunately, is catching up with Novak. It accelerates as we get older.
‘I think this is going to be really key, the Australian Open, for him and whether we’ll see the rest of Novak Djokovic in 2026.’
Fellow Aussie tennis legend Pat Cash also believes the Serbian could soon hang up his racquet.
‘It’s a fine balance at the end of your career to find where you are training hard enough to be fit enough to last two, even three, five set matches, but then not pushing it too far,’ the Wimbledon champion said.
Djokovic returned for an afternoon court session and lasted just 12 minutes, with his physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic spotted working on his neck
The Australian Open starts on January 18, where Djokovic will be gunning for an 11th title at Melbourne Park
‘You need to save enough in the tank so that you don’t get worn out and then not overtraining that you get injured.
‘As you get later in your career, it just wanes off. I mean, that’s just the reality of it. So for Novak to still be going is absolutely phenomenal.
‘He’s always coming up with solutions to problems, so it will be really interesting to see how he goes at the Australian Open.
‘Has he played enough matches? Has he trained hard enough? Is he saving his body just for the matches? And if so, will that work?
‘I don’t see him beating Alcaraz and Sinner in back-to-back five-set matches and that’s his problem.
‘He can get to the semi-final again, but then he is likely to have a familiar problem.’
