“It was challenging” - Novak Djokovic on playing with a hamstring injury throughout the Australian Open 2023

Novak Djokovic admitted that playing with a tear in his hamstring at Melbourne Park was challenging. The 35-year-old claimed a record 10th Australian Open title and equaled Rafael Nadal’s tally of a record 22 Grand Slam titles. The Serb also returned to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings in January.

Djokovic made it look so easy that many, including Carlos Alcaraz’s coach, doubted whether he was genuinely injured. However, Djokovic has come out to say that he was definitely injured and that he and his team members knew what he was going through.

While speaking in an interview with Tennis TV ahead of the tournament, the World No. 1 revealed how tough it was for him to manage the injury.

“It was challenging,” said Djokovic. “I know there is a big shadow of a doubt whether I had an injury or not. There are a lot of people questioning that. But, I was definitely injured, and I know what I was going through and my team members.”

Djokovic also went on to say that facing adversity is what made the victory in Melbourne even greater. The 35-year-old also revealed that he did not practice even once between matches.

“Obviously that makes the victory in Melbourne even greater, you know,” he said. “Because I had to face adversities. I haven’t practiced one single day between matches. I just warmed up for the matches and played."

"Luckily I was having a great preparation prior to coming to Australian Open and plenty of tennis so I was allowed to have the luxury of not practicing in the days with no matches and trying to use every moment to recover and to get my leg in a better shape.” he added.

On the current condition of his leg, he said that he was not yet 100 percent.

“Right now, I have not felt pain for the last week or so. So I feel good on the court. (I’m) still building,” said the Australian Open champion. “Still getting to 100%, I’m still not there. But it’s a process and I’m looking forward to what’s coming up.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion is in Dubai this week to compete at the ATP 500 Dubai Tennis Championships, where he hopes to lift the title for the sixth time.

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“If I finish tied with Nadal? I would be satisfied” - Novak Djokovic

Djokovic and Nadal tied at 22 Grand Slam titles

Novak Djokovic equaled his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 Grand Slam titles by lifting the 2023 Australian Open trophy.

While speaking to The National News, the Serb said that if he finished his career tied with Nadal at total number of Major titles, he would still be satisfied.

“If I finish tied with Nadal? I would be satisfied.” said the World No. 1. “I would like to have more Grand Slams than my biggest rival, but listen, when I have to stop and go back to my career story, even if I stopped here and he still won 10 Grand Slams, I should still be overall satisfied.”

The Serb also said that he might regret not having the most Grand Slam titles, and being hungry and motivated to win is important. However, being humble is equally important, and he will be proud of himself and grateful for all that he has achieved.

The World No. 1 is playing his first tournament in Dubai since his historic win at Melbourne Park in January.