Novak Djokovic Skipping Practice Sessions Jeopardizes His US Open 2019 Title Defence

In the midst of his second round encounter at US Open 2019, Novak Djokovic overcame his shoulder injuries woes and then sealed his spot in the third round. The top-seeded Serbian defeated the American, Denis Kudla in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the third-round encounter in New York. 

However, before his third-round match on Friday, Djokovic did not show up for his practice sessions at Flushing Meadows and the Serb kept postponing it. Due to the Serbian’s postponement of his training sessions and his injuries concerns, the betting odds placed on Novak Djokovic have now shifted on the second seed, Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard becomes the new favorite to clinch the US Open 2019 championship.

On Friday, Novak Djokovic kept delaying the practice sessions for about three and a half hours, and that dropped him as the favorite face of the US Open 2019. The betting markets have withdrawn their wagers placed on the World Number one tennis player, and the sports bettors won’t be surprised if the Serb loses in his upcoming matches.

Djokovic began his warm-up for the match 30 minutes prior to his third-round match at US Open and he did not pick up his racquet after his second-round win against Juan Ignacio Londero. All this forced the betting markets to shift their bid from Djokovic defending his US Open title this year. 

However, after his straight win over Denis Kudla, Novak Djokovic mentioned about his on-going shoulder pain. “Almost pain-free, a little bit, but I am pleased with the way it went,” the Serb said. He did not disclose anything regarding the diagnosis of his injury.

During his Wednesday’s match, Novak received treatment for his on-going shoulder pain in the midst of the encounter. Later, he acknowledged that was delighted to complete the match and he pushed himself to reach the finish line. 

The fourth round of the US Open 2019 will witness the clash for the former US Open champions as Novak Djokovic will next play the 23rd seed, Stan Wawrinka at Flushing Meadows.