Djokovic 'Probably Couldn't See Anything Out Of One Eye' In Miami Final Says Becker
NewsThursday, 03 April 2025 at 12:52
Novak Djokovic's former coach, Boris Becker, has commented on the severity of his eye injury during the 2025 Miami Open final.
Djokovic's battle with 19-year-old Jakub Mensik was high-quality from start to finish. Superb serving from both men meant there were only two breaks during the match, but Mensik secured the title by triumphing 7-6, 7-6.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion's performance in defeat was impressive, considering he had a severely swollen eye during the match. It had not been an issue in his previous matches and appeared at the worst possible moment.
During an episode of the podcast he shares with Andrea Petkovic, Becker explained that the eye issue was particularly challenging for Djokovic to manage since he wears contact lenses during matches.
"Just a word on Novak. Not only does he have the best vision, but he also needs both eyes, not just one.(Petkovic laughs) That's why he wears glasses. He wears a contact lens. He probably couldn't see anything out of one eye. That makes returning more difficult, especially against a top player like Mensik, but credit where credit is due."
Petkovic felt that Becker raised a great point and wondered whether Djokovic could even get his contact lens in because of how severely swollen his eye was before and during the match.
"I'd love to know if he even managed to put his contact lens in. His eye was so insanely swollen. For those that didn't see, it wasn't like a little stye or something. His eye was seriously swollen. I think it's a good point because maybe he just couldn't get the lens in and literally couldn't see out of that eye."
Many fans would not have been aware of Djokovic's use of contact lenses. The Serbian has always tried to find any way to improve, and improving his eyesight might help him be the best returner in tennis history.
The former ATP world No. 1 has often fought against the odds and been competitive and sometimes triumphant under challenging circumstances. For example, he won two Australian Open titles while carrying an injury.
Fans will never know whether the result could have been different had his eye not been troublesome. Mensik's excellent level during both sets means he would have been tough to overcome under any circumstances.
Djokovic will hope that his eye has fully recovered by the time the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters next week. The Serbian has committed to starting his clay court season at the Masters 1000 tournament.
Interestingly, the tournament in Monte-Carlo is the least successful in Djokovic's career. He won the title in 2013 and 2015, but it is the only 1000-level event where he has not secured the title at least three times.
Djokovic was recently warned about potential struggles during the clay court swing by the former French Open winner Mats Wilander. However, the 37-year-old's run to the semifinal of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters was his best since winning the 2015 title.
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