World No.1 Novak Djokovic provides an injury update on his shoulder following his US Open 2019 withdrawal, earlier this month. The Serbian threw some lights on his current fitness as he hopes to return to the ATP Tour during the Asian swing.
The defending champion was forced to retire from the fourth round of the US Open 2019 after a set and a break down against Stan Wawrinka. The 32-year-old managed to battle with the shoulder pain earlier in the tournament, however, he was unable to continue after having a check with the trainer during the fourth round.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Novak Djokovic is scheduled to play the Japan Open, which will start from September 30. However, the Serb admitted in an interview with BTS that he is still recovering from his injury, and hasn’t returned to the court ever since the 2019 US Open.
It is still doubtful when Novak Djokovic will return to the ATP Tour as he suggests that the shoulder injury is of a “more serious nature.”
“I would like to tell you when I will be back, but I really do not know exactly. I monitor the results of rehabilitation every day. I monitor how the shoulder responds to recovery,” Djokovic told RTS Serbia.
He further added, “Unfortunately, the injury was of a more serious nature. It prevented me from continuing the tournament in New York. I’m very sorry. It’s one of the four biggest tournaments, especially important in the second part of the season.”
There have been many speculations that Djokovic might require surgery in his shoulder after The New York Times published an article. However, the 16-time Grand Slam champion has dismissed the reports of any potential surgery required to treat his injury as he is bidding to be ready to play the Japan Open by the end of this month.
He concluded, “I hope to be on the court in a week or two. For now, in an ideal scenario, the plan is to play Tokyo.”
