A wrist injury stands between Novak Djokovic and the Australian Open 2024 title. Having sustained the injury during practice a couple of days ago, the 24-time Grand Slam champ struggled quite a bit as he lost his first match in Australia after four years.
Playing against Alex de Minaur in the United Cup, Djokovic has potentially exasperated his wrist injury, which can threaten his chances to win his 11th Australian Open and 25th Grand Slam title.
“The more I’m playing, it’s getting worse,” Djokovic said to his trainer while he treated his wrist.
Novak Djokovic lost to the hometown hero de Minaur in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, in the quarterfinal. This was the Aussies first win over Djokovic and his first-ever win over reigning world no. 1.
Will Novak Djokovic’s chance to win the Australian Open 2024 take a hit?
After winning his last match despite visibly struggling with his wrist, Novak Djokovic said:
“But I managed to play it through, and it’s not the first or the last time. These things happen. You just have to manage and find a solution. Let’s see what happens now.”
Looking at the statement now, it seems an unwise decision from Djokovic to still play against de Minaur while nursing an injury. This decision may bite him back if the defending Australian Open champion is unable to contend for the title.
At 36 years old, Djokovic is one of the most experienced campaigners in the game and knows how to handle his body. During the 2021 Australian Open, he won the title despite suffering an abdominal tear during his round-of-32 match against Taylor Fritz.
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