‘The elbow is not in an ideal condition’

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday April 17, 2023

Novak Djokovic is in Banja Luka and ready to take his place on the draw at the Srpska Open, but the World No.1 has told reporters that his right elbow is not in perfect condition at the moment.

“The elbow is not in an ideal condition, but let’s say it’s good enough,” Djokovic said in a press conference. “I hope it will be fully ready for the first match.”

#Djokovic on elbow: It’s not ideal, but it’s good enough. I hope it will be fully ready for my first match here.

— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 17, 2023

It’s the first we’ve heard of the injury since Monte-Carlo, where Djokovic wore a compression sleeve on his right arm during his round of 16 loss to Lorenzo Musetti. After the match Djokovic was brief in press, not wanting to discuss the injury or take away any credit from the Italian after his biggest career victory.

“I cannot say nothing. I’m okay. I’m fine. Congrats to him. We move on,” he said.

Djokovic is slated to face 19-year-old Frenchman Luca Van Assche in the second round.