Boris Becker thinks injury-hit Novak Djokovic is trying to shorten points at Australian Open
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Updated 22/01/2023 at 13:25 GMT
Eurosport expert Boris Becker has observed that Novak Djokovic is trying to shorten points at the Australian Open. Djokovic called for the trainer at the end of a tight first set in his victory over Grigor Dimitrov ov Saturday, requiring a medical timeout as he received a massage and was visibly in more pain in the third set of the match.
Djokovic downs Dimitrov despite injury struggles - Australian Open highlights
Eurosport expert Boris Becker thinks Novak Djokovic is trying to shorten the length of his points at the Australian Open.
Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov 7-6(7) 6-3 6-4 but required treatment on his hamstring, which has had strapping on since the start of the tournament, at the end of a tight first set.
He says a “specific movement” is causing pain and described the injury as “not good at all” earlier in the week.
"Novak is now going for the quick points,” Becker told Eurosport. “That starts with the serve, because he's also taking more risks on the second [serve].
“In the rallies he tried to dominate with his forehand. It was an interesting match, with ups and downs.
“Dimitrov had what it takes to beat Djokovic, but he [Djokovic] was better in the decisive moments.”
Becker also said the impact of the injury was clear:
"I've known him for a long time and I know that he has problems with his thigh.
"Sometimes you think he's bluffing or can't finish the game. It's a bit of heaven and hell. That also makes it difficult for the opponent. But Novak wouldn't behave like that if he had nothing."
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Exclusive: Djokovic says tie-break was key moment in victory over Dimitrov at Australian Open
There were concerns about Djokovic’s fitness coming into the tournament after he cancelled practice sessions in the build-up to the event.
The nine-time Australian Open champion has been in visible pain which he says is using up energy both mentally and physically.
“It starts well, then some movement happens and it gets worse,” said Djokovic when discussing his experience with the injury in Melbourne.
“Then, pills kick in, some hot cream and stuff, that works for a little bit and then it doesn’t and then it works again so it’s really a rollercoaster honestly.
“It requires a lot of energy that is being spent on my side mentally and physically to deal with the match, with my opponent and also with my not ideal physical state.
“But it is what it is, it’s kind of the circumstances you have to accept and I’m actually very grateful I’m able to play. The way it looked just before the tournament started, it didn’t look possible but I’m still here and still holding on.”
Asked how close he was to withdrawing from the event, Djokovic answered: “Well, I did not want to pull out for the tournament because I wanted to see how it felt on court.
“The first match it felt really good, the second match I had a couple of moments where it felt really bad, and today as well. But I managed as I said to survive and pull through. I’ll take it match by match, I don’t know what awaits but I do hope and have faith for the best.”
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