Novak Djokovic Plays Through The Pain In Monte Carlo

Written by: Staff on 18th April 2013

Novak Djokovic Plays Through The Pain In Monte Carlo

epa03667275 Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his third round match against Juan Monaco of Argentina at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 18 April 2013. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER |

World no.1 Novak Djokovic admitted he certainly felt pain in his suspect right ankle after taking the calculated risk of deciding to contest the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters just ten days after suffering what appeared a serious injury securing Serbia’s place in the Davis Cup semi-finals.

Djokovic said he was pleased to have passed a huge test on fitness with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 defeat of Russian Mikhail Youzhny and revealed admitted that at one stage in the second set he felt pain but played through it successfully, thanks in part to his heavy strapping on his ankle.

“I had a part of the match where I twisted it again, unfortunately,” said Djokovic. “But I managed to overcome that pain.”

The Serb delayed his decision on whether or not to play for as long as the tournament director Zeljko Franulovic could allow and after his win said: “I think that my ankle is in a good state as the days are passing by. Today was a big test, I had a great quality opponent.”

Earlier Djokovic admitted that any sign of discomfort would be a sign to him that he was endangering his preparation for the French Open, his avowed main target for 2013 and the one remaining Grand Slam title he has not won.

“If I have discomfort over the next two days that would be an indication if I should, or should not, play,” said Djokovic before making his decision to go ahead.

“This is the start of a new season on a new surface. To compete at a high level I must be 100% fit. I’ve been taping the ankle and doing all I can to be ready on the court. I know there is a lot of expectation for me to play – no one wants me to be out there more than I do.”

Djokovic spent an exacting two and a quarter hours on court before securing the win that sends him through to face Juan Monaco.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Juan Monaco, Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis news, Sports, Tennis News