Allegedly Torn Abdominal Muscle, Djokovic Take The Risk To Continue Gait At The Australian Open

Novak DJokovic (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic admitted that continuing the match at the 2021 Australian Open with an injury is a big bet. However, he feels the fight is worth it for his ninth Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.

The Serbian suspects his right abdominal muscle is torn when competes with Taylor Fritz in the third round. Despite being haunted by injuries, Djokovic was in fact fit enough to beat Canadian Milos Raonic 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the fourth round to advance to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

The world's number one said he had undergone intensive care and was taking painkillers, but was reluctant to elaborate on the condition of his injury.

“I have undergone (scan) MRI. I know the condition of my injury, but I don't want to talk about it now. I'm still in the tournament. I hope you understand, I don't want to speculate,” said Djokovic as quoted by Reuters on Sunday.

Djokovic admitted that he did not know the true condition even a few hours before facing Milos Raonic. He was also at that moment, didn't know whether he would withdraw from the match or not.

"If I compete in a tournament other than the Grand Slam, I definitely won't (continue) playing," he said. Djokovic admitted that he did not know the true condition even a few hours before facing Milos Raonic.

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"It's kind of a gamble, that's what the medical team told me. Really unpredictable. "

“This (injury) could have been more severe, but it could also improve. I don't know what will happen until I stop using pain relievers," he said.

"As long as I use high doses of pain relievers, I think I can still endure the pain," said the 33-year-old tennis player.

Despite being hit by an injury, Djokovic still has to prepare himself to face Germany's sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Australian Open on Tuesday.

“Playing against Sascha (Alexander Zverev) is a different match. Maybe there will be more rallies, more tiresome rallies. Such a game will require me to (play) from the backcourt," he concluded.