Wrist is Fine, My Biggest Threat is Me

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday January 13, 2024

Novak Djokovic won his last two Australian Open titles battling significant injuries. In 2021 he had an abdomen tear weighing him down; last year it was a hamstring issue. Both times he found a way to overcome the challenges and make more history at the Happy Slam.

In 2024, when a wrist injury popped up last week, many wondered if the 24-time Grand Slam champion, now 36, would be fit enough to produce another crowning achievement in Melbourne. On Saturday he spoke to reporters and told the media that the wrist is far less of an issue than the ones he dealt with during his last two title runs.

Tough luck for the rest of the field…

“My wrist is good,” the World No.1 said. “I had time from the last match against de Minaur in the United Cup to my first match here to recover. I’ve been training well. Practice sessions pain-free so far. It’s good. It’s all looking good. Let’s see how it goes.”

Djokovic didn’t want to speculate on the full two-week fortnight. He knows that going through grueling Grand Slam matches could put extra strain on the wrist, and he’ll be ready for it if it happens.

“It’s not as bad as some other injuries I had here,” he said. “2021 and last year I had worse injuries that I had to deal with.

“I can’t predict whether it’s going to come back. Once I start playing more matches, stress levels go higher. I don’t know. We have to find out.”

The Biggest Threat to Djokovic?

The World No.1’s answer to the question about what he perceived to be his biggest threat in Australia gave insight into his current confidence level.

“Myself always first, and then of course all the other best players in the world,” he stressed. “Any player is here with, I’m sure, intention to achieve the dream of winning a Grand Slam. Some players are obviously more expected to go further than some others… Yeah, it’s exciting to be a part of another slam.”