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Days after declaring that he would have withdrawn from the Australian Open if it were not for a Grand Slam tournament, Novak Djokovic says he is “delighted” with how he feels after playing through injury this month- this.
Djokovic reached the final of the Australian Open tonight for the ninth time in his career, beating No 114-ranked Aslan Karatsev, 6-3 6-4 6-2.
The top-ranked Djokovic is 8-0 in previous trips to the final at Melbourne Park. He is now undefeated in the nine semi-finals he played in Australia.
However, this year’s tournament was rather difficult for the Serbian star who struggled with a mysterious abdominal injury.
After his fourth round victory over Milos Raonic earlier this week, the world No.1 admitted he would withdrawn from the tournament if it was anything other than a Grand Slam.
“If it is another tournament than a Grand Slam, I would retire and I would withdraw from the event, for sure,” he said at the time.
Novak’s shock injury revealed
Speaking after his dominant victory over Karatsev, Djokovic revealed that he felt “no pain” and showed no problem passing the ball tonight.
“It’s the best I’ve felt during this whole tournament,” he told Nine.
“I felt good. I could swing the ball, pain free. Best game so far and it came at the right time. Glad to feel that.
“I have two days now [until the final], I will see and talk to the team [regarding practice].
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic against Aslan Karatsev
“I’ll be training for sure one of the next two days, probably Saturday, closer to the final.
“Recovery is the priority right now. I feel the ball well and play well. I have enough match play and enough training.
“Right now he’s gathering all the energy for the most important game.”
Djokovic in the Australian Open final will be player Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas, who will face off tomorrow night.
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