Novak Djokovic appears to injure knee in practice

The return to Melbourne Park for nine-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic wasn’t supposed to include an injury.

Novak Djokovic receives treatment on his knee. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Overwhelming Australian Open favourite Novak Djokovic’s return to Melbourne Park didn’t got to plan after the nine-time champion ended a practice match early after appearing to suffer a leg injury.

Djokovic, who has been installed as $1.80 TAB favourite to win the event after storming to victory in the Adelaide International last weekend, was playing a scheduled match against Daniil Medvedev on centre court.

But the match was ended after just one set, which Djokovic lost, after he hurt his left leg. Djokovic battled a hamstring issue on the way to his victory in Adelaide.

Match over after one set. Djokovic led 3-2 with a break but won just one more game after doctors assessed his left knee at three consecutive changes of end. For context, the match between Auger-Aliassime and Garin beforehand went for twice as long #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/Md01VtEjdD

— Martin Gabor (@MartinJGabor) January 11, 2023

Djokovic, who is playing in the Australian Open a year after being deported because of his vaccination status, received medical treatment at least three times as he tried to play on.

But the world No.5 was not moving fluently across the court as he battled on, eventually calling it quits after 38 minutes to seek more treatment.

It’s unclear how significant the issue is, but Djokovic is scheduled to face Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match on Rod Laver Arena on Friday night, with the match already a sellout.

Novak Djokovic was injured during his practice match against Daniil Medvedev in Melbourne. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images