Novak Djokovic has opened up about not being fully healthy during his opening two matches at the 2024 Australian Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is seeking to win an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title. He began by beating Dino Prizmic, although the 18-year-old impressed hugely in his Grand Slam main draw debut.
Djokovic then defeated Alexei Popyrin in the second round at Rod Laver Arena in four sets. It was a very entertaining contest, but the Serbian was also clearly struggling at times during the match.
The 36-year-old could be seen regularly blowing his nose throughout the encounter, and he did not seem completely well. Djokovic was also concerned about his wrist, which he injured slightly during his appearance at the United Cup before the Australian Open.
In his press conference after the triumph against Popyrin, Djokovic discussed how he has not been feeling absolutely 100% for about a week and that it can be frustrating for him.
"I haven't been playing or feeling at my best the last, whatever, week or so. Yeah, it's frustrating at times with kind of the level of tennis that I'm playing on the court and some uncharacteristic mistakes that I make."
However, Djokovic then showed the mentality of a man who has been so successful by saying that getting wins when not at your best is part of the game, and that is something the Serbian legend has done so many times.
"You can't always feel your best or play your best, and you have to find a way to win, which I did against the two players that possess great quality, who came out on the court knowing they can win."
Hopefully, Balkan sportsperson of the year Djokovic can be fully healthy in his next round. He may need to be against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who is a dangerous opponent.