Australian Open 2021 - Champion Novak Djokovic made injury tear “bigger” by playing on

ByRichard Newman

Published 22/02/2021 at 09:04 GMT

The world number one says he made his abdomen injury worse by battling on to win the Australian Open, with the tear “bigger” than when he first sustained it. Djokovic, who struggled with the problem since the third round, beat Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in Sunday’s final, and will now take time off to let it heal.

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic accepts he made his abdomen tear worse by playing on to win the tournament in Melbourne.

The world number one began struggling with the problem in the third round, but fought on before eventually producing an emphatic 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 win over Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.

But his ninth Melbourne trophy came at a cost, as Djokovic told reporters a second scan of his stomach has shown the injury could have been reduced by stopping, as he threatened to do after he beat Taylor Fritz on the fifth day of the tournament.

ATP Monte Carlo

‘Not a great season’ - Djokovic reacts to Monte Carlo loss, as Ruud says 'he's human'

13/04/2024 at 22:26

'It's a bit unfair' - Djokovic on people questioning his injury after title

"I just came actually came from another MRI that I've done this morning and the damage is bigger than what it was when it happened, when I did the first MRI after the third round," he said, while parading his trophy in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton.

It's not too bad judging by what the doctor said, but I'll have to take some time off and heal. The tear is bigger.

It was a whirlwind trip to Australia for Djokovic, who began preparations by criticising the conditions of mandatory quarantine, which did not go down well with locals who have adhered to strict coronavirus conditions.

• Djokovic's Australian Open record up there with Nadal at the French Open
• Djokovic will overtake Federer's Grand Slam haul, says Ivanisevic

'Outstanding' - The best of champion Djokovic at 2021 Australian Open

"I reflect on it as a great experience, and a unique journey, and I would definitely remember and try to take out a lot of positives from it," he said.

I have learned a lot of lessons, and learned a lot of things, about myself and about everything that was going on in the last five to six weeks, but I think that everything that was happening on and off the court makes this victory even better and even sweeter.

Djokovic said his celebrations have mellowed from his younger days of “discotheques and nightclubs and god knows what”, revealing he simply called his family and went for a meal with cake following his 18th Grand Slam victory - which puts him just two titles behind men’s joint record holders Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

ATP Monte Carlo

'In a state of shock' - Ruud upsets Djokovic to make Monte Carlo final for first time

13/04/2024 at 19:36

ATP Monte Carlo

‘Tennis at its highest level’ - Tsitsipas downs Sinner to reach another Monte Carlo final

13/04/2024 at 17:00

ATP Monte Carlo

Djokovic breaks Nadal record with 'ugly' De Minaur win, Ruud ready for 'David v Goliath' clash

12/04/2024 at 20:59