‘You Can’t Get Medical Timeout’ – Novak Djokovic Sheds Light on Confusion-Filled United Cup Exchange With the Physio

It is not the start that Novak Djokovic would have liked. In his first tournament of the 2024 season, the Serb tasted defeat in the quarterfinal stage. He lost out to Alex de Minaur in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 as his country crashed out of the United Cup. It was a big blow to Djokovic, who is hoping to defend his Australian Open crown. Additionally, there is another major concern for him going into the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.

Djokovic appeared to suffer an injury during his match against Minaur. Subsequently, he appeared to have a heated interaction with the physio. Later, the World Number 1 explained what the conversation was about.

Novak Djokovic explains his stance during a heated debate with physio

After feeling uncomfortable with the injury, Djokovic appealed for a medical timeout. However, the physio refused to grant one, citing that the injury wasn’t too serious. This didn’t go down well with Djokovic, who appeared to have an argument with the physio.

Later, during the post-match press conference, Djokovic explained his situation out there. He said, “Well, I mean, I asked for the medical timeout, but he said that you can’t get medical timeout. You can only get a changeover if the injury is already existing, he explained. So I didn’t understand really what that means.”

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Further, he went on to add, “But he said that — I told him that it was improving, so that’s why he didn’t think that I should get a medical timeout. I said it was improving before the match, but then as the match progressed yesterday and also today particularly was getting worse, so I needed treatment. He didn’t want to give me one. So that’s all. There’s not much more I can say.”

It is not an ideal scenario for Djokovic, who is looking for a positive start to the season. With the Australian Open starting in a few days, Djokovic’s injury concerns have come at the worst time. Later, he also lifted the lid on how he felt with his wrist injury.

What did Djokovic say about his injury?

Although the Serb entered the United Cup in great physical shape after the off-season, his campaign has been hit by a potential injury threat. In what is a big year for Djokovic with the Paris Olympics taking place, he was hoping for a good start. However, following his wrist injury, Djokovic has given a glimmer of hope.

Talking about it, he said, “I have had discomfort for two days. During yesterday’s match and today’s match especially, it got worse, but I don’t want to spend too much time on this and take away from Alex’s victory. Now I will try to recover for the Australian Open. I think it will be fine by then.”

It remains to be seen if the Serb can get back fit in time for the Australian Open that begins on 14th Jan. His fans will keep their fingers crossed, hoping to see their hero in action.

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