Novak Djokovic Avoids Serious Ankle Injury But Will Need Time To Heal

Written by: Resendiz on 10th April 2013

Novak Djokovic Avoids Serious Ankle Injury But Will Need Time To Heal |

Fears that Novak Djokovic had done himself lasting damage by playing on after twisting an ankle in Sunday’s Davis Cup win over the United States, were finally allayed by the results of an MRI scan in Monte Carlo.

However the world no.1 still seems extremely unlikely to contest the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, the first Masters 1000 series event of the year to be staged on European red clay, that begins on Sunday.

A statement issued on Djokovic’s website read: “The world’s top player has undergone an MRI examination this morning which revealed no structural damage to the joint capsule and ligaments. A joint structures strain requires therapy and strict rest in the following days.”

Djokovic makes no secret of the fact that his overriding aim this year is to complete his collection of Grand Slam titles by winning the French Open at Roland Garros.

Several ankle specialists made the point that his injury needs at least ten days to recover fully and therefore a decision to play the Monte Carlo event would appear foolhardy. However Djokovic is a long-time resident of the Principality of Monaco and would feel some pressure to take part in the tournament.

The statement added: “Depending on the recovery, a decision will be made on Nole’s participation at the forthcoming tournament in Monte Carlo.”

Djokovic injured his right ankle early in his four-set victory against Sam Querrey and, despite closing out a 7-5, 6-7, 6-1, 6-0 success he appeared to be struggling when he put weight on that foot. The win sealed Serbia’s place in the semi-finals of a competition they won in 2010, a triumph that provided the portent for Djokovic’s memorable year in 2011 when he won three of the four grand slam tournaments.

“Obviously it’s very strong emotion when you play for your country; I guess that’s the biggest reason why I kept playing,” Djokovic told the Davis Cup website after beating Querrey. “Injuries are a part of sport and you try to avoid as much as you can as an athlete.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Davis Cup, Monte Carlo tennis news, Novak Djokovic, Sam Querrey, Serbian tennis news, Sports