In pictures: Novak Djokovic's possible training injury comes to light after Monte-Carlo Masters exit
The reason behind Novak Djokovic's arm injury that troubled him during his Monte-Carlo Masters campaign was apparently a training mishap. As seen in new pictures to have emerged from one of his pre-tournament training sessions, the World No. 1 seems to have injured his arm while stretching for a shot.
Concerns regarding Djokovic's injury first surfaced after the Serbian great was seen wearing strapping on his right arm during a practice session before the tournament. He had his arm strapped again during his Round of 16 loss to Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday.
As can be seen in a few pictures shared by tennis photographer Corinne Dubreuil on social media, Djokovic seemingly picked up an injury during his practice session with Matteo Berrettini. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was seen wincing in pain in some of the shots.
This is what happened last sunday in Monte Carlo when Novak Djokovic was practicing with Matteo Berretini
#tennis #practice #abacapressagency #novakdjokovic https://t.co/OhEtrEppuR
Djokovic opened his campaign in Monte-Carlo with a 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over qualifier Ivan Gakhov, but it was a performance that was far from his best. Then in a topsy-turvy Round 16 contest that was interrupted by a rain delay as well, he lost to Musetti 6-4, 5-7, 4-6.
When quizzed about his arm injury after the match, the 35-year-old chose not to reveal any details whatsoever, and said that he was 'fine.'
"I cannot say nothing. I'm okay. I'm fine. Congrats to him. We move on," he said during his post-match press conference.
At the same time, Djokovic confirmed his participation at next week's Srpska Open in Banja Luka.
"Next week I play Banja Luka," he stated.
"I don't think it's catastrophic" - Novak Djokovic on his poor run at Monte-Carlo Masters since 2016
Since Novak Djokovic won his second Monte-Carlo Masters title in 2015, he has failed to get past the quarterfinals there in seven appearances. In fact, he has reached the quarterfinals only twice since 2016, having lost in his first two matches in Monte-Carlo in other years, including the ongoing edition.
Reflecting on his poor run of form at the event in Monaco, the Serb claimed it was not a major sign of concern.
"I don't think it's catastrophic, but my feeling is bad right now because I lost the match. That's all. Congrats to my opponent. I move on," he said.
Djokovic recently expressed his desire to find peak form at the French Open as he looks to bag a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title. He has three tournaments in the build-up to Roland Garros, including the Italian Open, where he is the defending champion.