Novak Djokovic quits practice match after 36 minutes as star sweats on injury ahead of Australian Open

Novak Djokovic suffered an injury scare ahead of the 2023 Australian Open as he pulled out of a practice match with Daniil Medvedev after just 36 minutes.

The world No. 5 required treatment on his hamstring during three changeovers before he called it quits after losing the first 6-4. Before the injury flared, he led 3-2 with a break.

“It’s the hamstring that I had problems with in Adelaide last week,” Djokovic told 9News Melbourne.

“I just felt it pulling and I didn’t want to risk anything worse. I played a set and apologised to him [Medvedev] and he was understanding.

“I just want to avoid any bigger scares before the Australian Open.”

Spaniard Pablo Andujar filled in for Djokovic as Medvedev completed the unusual practice match against two different opponents.

Djokovic is now facing a race against time to be fit for the opening Grand Slam of the season, which kicks off on January 16.

“I woke up all right. Went deep into the night last night with work done with the physio,” Djokovic told reporters after the win over Korda. “Talk with the doctors, as well, of the tournament, etc.

“There was a lot of care going into today’s match about the hamstring. It was all right.

“A few times in the match I felt the muscle was tightening up, but nothing that would worry me for my performance.”

The 35-year-old is back in Australia for the first time since his visa debacle last year, when he was unceremoniously deported on the eve of the Australian Open.

The Djokovic saga grabbed headlines across the world in January 2022 after the Serb touched down for the opening Grand Slam of the year unvaccinated but with a medical exemption. His initial visa was cancelled, re-approved by a judge, then revoked again by Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke.

Djokovic is chasing a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title in Melbourne, which would draw him level with his great rival Rafael Nadal.

Nadal is the defending champion at the Australian Open but is without a win in 2023.

– – –