Novak Djokovic is the only one among the famed ‘Big 3’ taking part in the upcoming US Open. With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal sidelined due to injury, the World No. 1 leads the senior players in Flushing Meadows.

In the women’s singles category, Serena Williams announced her withdrawal citing the need to become fully fit. Ahead of an attempt to make history, Djokovic spoke about their injuries.

Novak Djokovic shows concern for injuries to his key competitors

Over the last five years, Federer struggled with knee injuries. After suffering a crushing quarterfinal loss to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon, the 40-year-old revealed he picked up a knee injury. And just weeks prior to the US Open, the Swiss star revealed the need for knee surgery. This meant not only would he miss the final Grand Slam of the year, but the rest of this season.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams picked up a hamstring injury during her opening match at Wimbledon. Despite skipping the Tokyo Olympics and hard court warmup tournaments, she admitted she didn’t fully recover from the injury. Hence, the 23-time Grand Slam champion will also miss the hard court Grand Slam, which begins in the coming week.

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Prior to the US Open, Djokovic spoke about their injuries. While mentioning such injuries could affect futures, he called on the need for balancing overcoming those injuries and taking part in tournaments.

He said, “I know that we are not that young anymore (Roger, Serena) we can’t play as much tournaments as before. When the injury becomes chronic, it’s worrisome not just for the career, but after it as well. Overcoming the pain is part of the game, but there needs to be a balance.”

Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic – A Rivalry Re-Inventing the Sport of Tennis

Djokovic answers comical question from a young fan

Along with serious questions, the Serbian also answered questions from the younger audiences. A child asked who he would choose between Spider-Man and Gumby, to which the Serbian admitted he didn’t know Gumby.

“What is Gumby, haha? I was into Spiderman, but I am gonna think about Gumby after your question,” said the 34-year-old.

In his quest for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam, Djokovic takes on a qualifier who remains unknown. Can the Serbian makes history in Flushing Meadows? Only time will tell.

WATCH STORY: Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Other Tennis Stars’ Funny Moments With Their Kids