The most important hamstring in this belongs to Novak Djokovic. The Serb tweaked his left hamstring during his Adelaide title run, and then cut short his practice a few days ago amid concern for the injury.
But Djokovic has powered through and hopes it won’t be an issue next week when he begins his bid for a 10th Australian Open title and 22nd Grand Slam.
“I’ve been struggling with that a bit to be honest. The last seven days,” Djokovic said. “But it’s hopefully not the major concern. So far I’ve been able to train, compete and play points, practice sets. So that’s a positive sign.
“Obviously, I’m being a bit more cautious. I’m not going full out on the training sessions, conserving the energy for next week. Hopefully it won’t cause an issue for me then.”
Djokovic has won his last 21 matches in Melbourne and over 34 straight in Australia. He returned to Rod Laver after missing last year and felt emotional upon the return.
“I was very emotional honestly coming into the court because, as I said on the on-court interview, with the reception that I received,” Djokovic said Saturday. “I didn’t know how that’s going to go like after events of last year. I’m very grateful for the kind of energy and reception, love and support I got last night.”
Injury aside, Djokovic is ready for more success in Melbourne.
“I like my chances. I always like my chances,” he said. “I train as hard as really anybody out there. There’s a lot of youngsters now that are very hungry, that want to win. They want to take a scalp off you on the big stadium. I know that.”
Djokovic returns to action for his first hard court Slam since 2021 on Tuesday Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.
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