Novak Djokovic revealed he has battled physical health issues and a difficult competitive year on the professional tennis circuit, despite advancing at the China Open in Beijing.
Djokovic Admits Physical Problems Disrupted His Rhythm
Djokovic admitted that his campaign on the ATP Tour has been far from straightforward. While continuing to compete at the sport’s highest level, the Serbian star acknowledged that persistent physical problems have disrupted his rhythm throughout the year. Speaking to reporters following his victory over home favorite Bu Yunchaokete (4-6, 7-6 [2], 6-2) in Beijing, Djokovic addressed his condition directly.
“I don’t want to go into details because that could give the impression that I’m complaining or looking for excuses,” Djokovic explained after the match, as reported by La Dépêche. “The truth is that this year has been a huge struggle for me, with certain specific problems that I’ve encountered. I’ve tried to find different ways to be, at least, in a decent physical and health condition.”
The veteran competitor noted that his physical resistance improved as his second-round match in Beijing progressed. After dropping the opening set, Djokovic found his footing in the tiebreak and dominated the decider. “Today, in the third set, I managed to cross that barrier and I felt better,” he said. “Towards the end of the second set and throughout the third, I felt fresher than I did at the beginning of the match.”
Preparation for Paris and the ATP Finals Chase
Currently ranked eleventh in the world, Djokovic maintains a demanding schedule as the end of the professional tennis season approaches. Tournament organizers expect the 24-time Grand Slam champion to compete at the Paris Masters, held at La Défense Arena starting October 31. Beyond the indoor Masters 1000 event in the French capital, Djokovic has confirmed his intention to participate in the prestigious season-ending ATP Finals if he successfully secures enough ranking points to qualify.
Despite the physical toll of a career spanning more than two decades at the elite level, Djokovic’s competitive drive remains intact.
What remains unknown is the precise nature of the physical ailments Djokovic continues to manage, and whether those specific health issues will allow him to sustain a deep run through the closing weeks of the tennis calendar.
