Novak Djokovic was honest about why he withdrew from the 2024 Miami Open, and former ATP player Tim Henman found it respectable.
The Serbian player arrived in the United States hoping to shake off a rather disappointing Australian Open campaign. The way the first Grand Slam of the year unfolded for the 24-time major winner got many thinking about whether this year might be the year when the next generation takes it to Djokovic as some of the younger players take over.
A good chance to dispel that was the Indian Wells Open, but it proved a disaster as he lost early to a player ranked outside of the Top 100. He then withdrew from the Miami Open, which isn't ideal, but former player Tim Henman appreciated his honesty in doing so.
Djokovic elaborated on why he withdrew, citing balancing professional and personal life, which was fascinating to Henman, who spoke to Sky Sports, because the Serbian could have said anything really but opted to be quite open about it.
"It’s quite revealing in some respects, because it could’ve been very easy to say, ‘my elbow’s a bit sore, heavy balls in the desert, and I’m gonna take time off’."
"And no one would’ve said anything, but when you sort of elaborate down those avenues, I think it probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life."
Henman hopes whatever is going on will be resolved quickly because this is a huge year for Djokovic, especially with the Olympic Games as well.
Times move quickly, and pretty soon, it will be summer when there will be three huge events in less than 60 days. The best players want to be completely focused on that by the time those tournaments roll around.
"So, fingers crossed he can sort out whatever the issues are and we can see him back on court in the not too distant future."
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