Novak Djokovic Plays Down Elbow Injury Concerns Ahead of Rome

| by Zlatko Vodenicharov

Novak Djokovic struggled with an elbow issue in Monte-Carlo and Banja Luka with a withdrawal from Madrid further raising suspicion of an injury.

The Serbian hasn't really played that well on clay this year and a lot of that had to do with an apparent elbow issue which he never really talked about. He's had elbow issues in his career before with one a few years ago hampering him severely for a good amount of time.

Ahead of the 2023 Italian Open, which is an ATP 1000 event, Djokovic played down any injury concerns after reporters pressed him regarding his elbow. He was wearing a brace on it in Monte-Carlo and Banja Luka but didn't have it during practice in Rome, indicating that things might be better.

No, no, it's all good. It's all good. I mean, there are always some things here and there that bother you on this level. It's normal. Also when you're not 25 any more, I guess you experience that a bit more than what used to be the case (smiling). It takes a little bit more time I guess to recover.

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Djokovic hasn't been in a competitive match for a while and he's missed the competition because like many tennis players, he lives for it. Rome has been a great place for him historically and he is the defending champion after all.

But I feel good. I miss the competition. I love playing in Rome. Historically throughout my career, Rome has always been a very nice tournament for me, had plenty of success, won it many times. Played also quite a few times in finals. My most successful clay court event and the biggest one coming into French Open.

The goal for this event is to play a few matches, hopefully, win some which will get him ready for Roland Garros. That's the clear goal for him.

Hopefully, it can serve, again, as a great, great springboard for me to what's coming up in Paris where I want to play my best.

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