WATCH: Djokovic plays down concerns after shaking episode on bench
ATP
Novak Djokovic experienced a shaking episode during his match against Daniil Medvedev at the 2022 ATP Finals, but he played down any concerns.
After Djokovic won his first two matches at the 2022 ATP Finals, he had his spot in the semi-finals of the event secured. Surprisingly, another former ATP World No. 1 player in the red group, Medvedev, lost both of his first two matches, so their meeting was a dead-rubber match.
While the Serbian player had first place in the group guaranteed, Medvedev also knew he would finish last. Still, there were points and prize money to play for, and the two battled it out on the court.
Djokovic won the first set, but then he lost the second set in a tie-break. It was after the second set when the Serbian player appeared to be shaking on his bench.
Of course, fans immediately noticed that, and there were obvious worries about Djokovic's health. However, after the match, he calmed everyone, saying that he was only fatigued.
"Well, it was just fatigue from a grueling battle. That’s all I can say. I mean, there was no illness. Everyone has one of those days where they struggle more physically. For me, that was today."
Ultimately, Djokovic proved that nothing was wrong with him already during the match. He won the third set to beat Medvedev 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(2).
The 21-time Grand Slam winner knows that Medvedev is the type of player who likes to wear down his opponents, which is what happened to Djokovic in their meeting as well.
"Of course, the opponent likes seeing you down, and he’s trying to dominate in the rallies, he’s trying to get the upper hand of the match, which was kind of the situation that was happening today."
After overcoming this moment of shaking, Djokovic can now focus on his semi-final match at the event. His opponent will be Taylor Fritz.
