Italian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic in intense preparation for title defence at Italian Open, practices with Francisco Cerundolo ahead of return to tour – Watch Video

Italian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic is in intense preparation as he is all set to begin his title defence in the Italian Open. For the second successive day he was seen on the practice courts at Rome. The 35-year old Serbian was practicing with Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo on on Wednesday, 10th May 2023. Follow Italian Open 2023 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN

Italian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic in intense preparation for title defence at Italian Open, practices with Francisco Cerundolo ahead of return to tour – Watch Video

Also Read: Italian Open 2023: Schedule, Top seeds, Draw, Prize Money, LIVE Streaming, All you need to know about Italian Open 2023 LIVE – Check Out 

Italian Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic in intense preparation for title defence at Italian Open, practices with Francisco Cerundolo ahead of return to tour – Watch Video

Djokovic is making his return to the Italian Open following an elbow issue. He missed the Madrid Open last week due to the injury. In his practice sessions at Italy, the 22-time Grand Slam champion played without an elbow strapping and was in full flow.

In his second practice session at Rome on Wednesday, he showed no signs of wearing out as he continued to hit the balls cleanly. Earlier in his first hit at Rome, he faced Jannik Sinner. The six-time champion at Rome arrived at the city on Monday, he soon took the practice courts on the day.

LIVE PRACTICE STREAM: Novak Djokovic vs Francisco Cerundolo in Rome https://t.co/nAjhC8xEnB преко корисника @YouTube

— Slavko Tomić (@TomicLibero) May 10, 2023

The defending champion will begin his campaign in the tournament on Friday. He is set to face Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry in the second round. He is eyeing his seventh title in the tournament. However the 35-year old is set to lose his World No.1 ranking soon after the tournament.

He is currently just five ranking point ahead of Carlos Alcaraz and since he is defending the title, he is not set to gain any additional points. However Alcaraz is set to feature in the tournament for the first time and hence he is set to surpass the Serbian to reclaim the No.1 spot ahead of the French Open.

Italian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic in intense preparation for title defence at Italian Open, practices with Francisco Cerundolo ahead of return to tour – Watch Video