Novak Djokovic initially planted the organizers and spectators of A Day at the Drive, the exhibition event taking place this Friday in Adelaide, thus compensating for the loss of the tournament that was usually held there in early January. The Serbian's team announced their withdrawal 15 minutes before the start of what was to be his match against Jannick Sinner, due to alleged blisters on his hands. They also claimed the need for him to rest, while ensuring that the participation of the world number one in the ATP Cup and the Australian Open is not in danger.
Djokovic did not say anything about his loss in the Adelaide gig during the presentation a few hours before, when he spoke to the local media without any inconvenience, as can be seen in the photographs. His compatriot Filip Krajinovic, who will be with Serbia in the ATP as a player and was part of Djokovic's entourage in Adelaide, he replaced Nole in the match against Italian Sinner. But at the end of the first set (6-3 for the Balkan), Djokovic appeared by surprise on the court and came out to play without warming up and with his partner's name still on the television broadcast label. He was not very successful in the early stages of that second heat, but then he won it without problems (6-3) and with good tennis. He then said that he “had to play” and that the pain was “bearable”.
“I'm sorry I didn't intervene from the beginning. I had to undergo a treatment with my physiotherapist and I didn't feel well the last few days.”Djokovic said in the track interview. “I didn't know how I was going to react and, you know, I wanted to play, I wanted to get out here, I hope it was enough for you. I hope you enjoyed it,” he added. “It's not easy, but you know it's part of what we do, you know that we are professional athletes who learn over the years to play with pain and just question whether that pain is bearable or not. So obviously, yes.Allying with training and having the ATP Cup and the Australian Open just around the corner … you don't want to take too much risk, “he explained.
Nadal vs. Thiem
After Krajinovic / Djokovic-Sinner will face Serena Williams and Noami Osaka. Later they will Venus Williams and Irina-Camila Begu. In the Australian afternoon, 09:40 in Spain, it will be Rafa Nadal's turn against Dominic Thiem, and Ashleigh Barty and Simona Halep will close the exhibition. These two games can be followed on Eurosport.