Novak Djokovic, a titan of professional tennis, is poised to make a significant comeback as he gears up for the Qatar Open next week. Having suffered a hamstring injury that prematurely ended his campaign at the Australian Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion appears to have almost completely healed, allowing him to focus on clinching his 100th singles title. Last month, Djokovic’s retirement during the semifinals against Alexander Zverev drew mixed reactions from the crowd at Melbourne Park, with boos echoing his unexpected exit. However, he countered this public scrutiny by sharing an MRI image of his injury, thereby reinforcing his commitment to transparency regarding his physical state amidst a slew of opinions from self-proclaimed sports injury experts.
After stepping away from the Australian Open, Djokovic also withdrew from Serbia’s Davis Cup tie against Denmark, highlighting the seriousness of his condition. However, in a recent interview with Montenegrin daily newspaper Vijesti, Djokovic expressed optimism regarding his recovery. He confirmed that his muscle injury no longer poses a threat, stating, „There is no more rupture in the muscle, the injury is almost 100% healed.“ This positive update indicates that he has received the medical approval necessary to engage in training, allowing him to prepare adequately for the upcoming tournament in Doha scheduled for February 17-22.
At the Qatar Open, Djokovic is not just aiming to return to form but is also targeting a spot in the history books. Achieving his 100th singles title would place him amongst an elite group of only three male players to reach this milestone in the professional era, joining legends like Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. Djokovic’s last title, achieved in August at the Paris Olympics, brought his total to 99. His near-miss for the milestone at the Shanghai Masters last October—where he lost to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner—only intensifies the anticipation surrounding his performance in Doha.
Despite navigating a string of injuries in recent times, Djokovic remains undeterred. Acknowledging the physical toll that age brings, the 37-year-old Serbian expresses a continued fervor for the sport, insisting that neither age nor injury has dimmed the passion that drives him. „My body still listens to me, the flame and desire for achievement and new achievements still burns in me,“ he asserted, emphasizing his commitment and focus as he trains for what many hope will be a historic title celebration.
As Djokovic approaches the Qatar Open, the tennis world watches with bated breath, eager to witness whether he can turn his aspirations into reality. His journey reflects not just the resilience of an athlete, but the relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined his illustrious career.
Napsat komentář