Novak Djokovic will test his fitness at two exhibition events before the Australian Open
NOVAK Djokovic’s performance in two Melbourne lead-up events next week will determine whether the six-time champion contests the Australian Open. Find out where he is playing.
NOVAK Djokovic’s performance in two Melbourne lead-up events next week will determine whether the six-time champion contests the Australian Open.
Djokovic has agreed to play the Priceline Classic at Kooyong and the Tie Break Tens at Melbourne Park to gauge the state of his right elbow.
The former world No 1 has not played since Wimbledon in July because of chronic soreness in his right arm.
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The Serb was confident he had found a solution to the issue after a solid training camp in Monte Carlo.
But the injury flared on the eve of an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi. He was then forced to withdraw from the ExxonMobil Open in Doha this week.
Djokovic is expected to arrive in Melbourne by the weekend.
While his decision to travel to Australia is positive, his official website sounded a note of caution.
“After pulling out from Abu Dhabi exho and ATP Doha event due to pain in his right elbow, Novak is travelling to Australia where he will take part in two exhibition tournaments,” it said.
“After the two events, the decision will be made about his participation at the first grand slam of the season, the Australian Open (15-28 January, 2018), where Nole has been crowned champion six times.
“The Serbian star will be making his long-awaited return to the game by playing his second Kooyong Classic.”
Kooyong tournament director Peter Johnston said: “We are pleased our event at Kooyong fits with Novak’s schedule as a key lead-up to the Australian Open.
“It will be fantastic to have him back here.”
The 12-time major winner last contested the event in 2010.
He will share centre stage next week with David Goffin, Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, Kevin Anderson and Matt Ebden.
It is not yet certain which day Djokovic will play at Kooyong.
He is scheduled to contest the Tie Break Tens tournament at Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park on Wednesday.
The abbreviated event, which is decided by best-of-10-point breakers, has drawn Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt.
Originally published as Novak Djokovic will test his fitness at two exhibition events before the Australian Open
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