"It's not ideal, but it's getting there" - Djokovic details his injury

| by Sebastian Dahlman

Novak Djokovic played his first-round match at the 2023 Australian Open, and despite previously struggling with an injury, he was dominant from start to finish.

Less than 24 hours before his opening match in Melbourne, the 21-time Grand Slam champion postponed one of his practices due to an injury. During the match against Roberto Carballes Baena, he also had his left leg strapped, but said that injury got better after the match.

“I was kind of testing my leg a little bit. At the beginning I was a bit tight, mentally as well, to protect something that was bothering me for the last 10 days. So it took me a little bit of time to really get into the match and start moving more freely."

“The great sign was that the longer the match went, the better I felt, the better I moved. It's not ideal, but it's getting there. Today was a really good test. Haven't had too much training in the last few days.”

2023 Australian Open ATP & WTA Prize Money & Points Overview - $76,500,000
2023 Australian Open ATP & WTA Prize Money & Points Overview - $76,500,000

The Serbian can level his main rival Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slam titles, and he can also overtake him in number of ATP titles, as he can improve to 93. Speaking about the chance of making history once again, he said:

“I think it's important to get as close as possible to the balance between using the possibilities and achievements that are out there as a motivational factor, as a goal-setting type of motivation. That will drive you as a guiding star, but at the same time balance it with an everyday task that you have to accomplish in order to stay in the present moment, which is when you are able to perform your best."

“I've been in situations before where I've played for some really big historic things, and I've been blessed to have I would say more success than failures in those particular situations. I know how to behave, I know how to handle it. Let's see how far I can go.”

Novak Djokovic dominant on his return to Australian Open despite a weird toilet break
Novak Djokovic dominant on his return to Australian Open despite a weird toilet break

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