Novak Djokovic admits to playing under medication for multiple injuries at Tokyo 2020

Tokyo 2020: Djokovic says 'history on the line' in Golden Slam bid

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Novak Djokovic has admitted he spent his time at the Olympics playing through “abnormal pain” and “exhaustion”. The world number one said he was also on medications while competing, as his body gave in. He came away from Tokyo 2020 empty-handed after a semi-final loss to Alexander Zverev and a defeat in the bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno Busta.

The Serb admitted he was struggling with multiple injuries is Tokyo and is hoping they don’t hamper him at the US Open, which begins later this month.

According to Tennis Majors, he told Serbian reporters: “I am dealing with injuries. Not one, more than one.

“I hope that it won’t stop me from going to the US Open, which is my next big goal.”

Djokovic entered the Olympics aiming to be the first male player in history to complete the calendar Golden Slam, winning all four majors and a gold medal in the same year.

JUST IN: Rafael Nadal calls out Novak Djokovic for racket-throwing outburst

After a strong start in his opening rounds, he lost to Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the semi-final from a set and a break up, costing him the chance to play for gold in the final.

He then forced a final set against Spaniard Carreno Busta in the bronze medal match but let his emotions get the better of him, throwing his racket into the empty stands before ultimately losing.

The 34-year-old, who was also set to play the mixed doubles bronze medal match with compatriot Nina Stojanovic, then pulled out citing a shoulder injury.

It meant Australian pair Ash Barty and John Peers were given a walkover and handed the third-place medal.

DON’T MISS
Novak Djokovic launches racket in anger in Olympics bronze medal tie
Novak Djokovic fails in Tokyo Olympics gold pursuit against Zverev
Djokovic opens up on handling pressure after Simone Biles withdrawal

Djokovic apologised to the Serbian fans for being unable to take home any medals, and admitted he felt guilty for costing his doubles partner the chance to compete for a medal.

“I apologise to all the fans in Serbia who I have disappointed. I know everyone expected a medal, I did too,” he said.

“I feel bad for Nina because we did not fight for a medal in mixed, but my body said ’enough’: I have played under medications and abnormal pain and exhaustion.

“But again, my heart is in the right place, because I know that I gave my all. I love to play for my country.

“Unfortunately, I did not get the result I wanted, but that is sport, we move on.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s father also revealed that it was his son’s patriotism that made him enter the Olympics, with the hopes of winning a medal for his country.

The always-outspoken Srdjan Djokovic admitted he advised Novak against going to Tokyo in a text message, saying the lack of spectators and quarantine period weren’t worth the trouble.

He read out his son’s reply on the Biznis Priče (Business Stories) podcast, according to TennisHead.

“Of course your opinion matters to me, Dad. I wanted to take three or four days to feel how my body was,” the top ranked player wrote.

“I always recover quickly, so it’s not a big deal. Patriotism is very strong in my heart and in my head, Dad. You know me, when it comes to Serbia, I cry there and I don’t turn around.”

Source: Read Full Article