Novak Djokovic in Milan, between medical exams and Milan. On Monday, February 13, as La Gazzetta dello Sport writes, the tennis player from Belgrade landed in the Lombard capital to undergo medical examinations, after the injury he suffered in Melbourne: those three centimeters of muscle edema did not prevent him from triumphing at the Open in Australia, for the tenth time in his career at Melbourne Park, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The newspaper writes that the twenty-two-time Grand Slam winner went to chiropractor and surgeon Jean Pierre Meersseman, and then changed scenery and sport. The world number one stopped by to say goodbye to his favorite team, AC Milan, which a few hours later was due to play the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Tottenham.
No stadium for Djokovic, who rushed back to Belgrade to prepare for the next dates of his tour. The medical examination in Milan could serve to establish, with more certainty, what will be the next steps of the Serbian tennis player.
Uncertain about the long-term schedule, but certain in the short term: the Dubai tournament is the next appointment. Seeded first, he is the only 22-time Slam champion since Rafael Nadal’s resignation. The next two commitments would be the two 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, but the dilemma remains the same: will he retire because he cannot land on American soil, not being vaccinated, or will he return thanks to special permission? Awaiting an answer, the new director of the Monte Carlo tournament has confirmed his presence, as well as that of Rafa Nadal, in the first 1000 tournament on clay: both should start their season there on the second surface of the tour (for chronological order), bound for Paris.
In the French capital, the two will be able to compete for the 23rd Grand Slam title, which would allow one of the two to overcome the other in the most coveted ranking in world tennis.
Imaz talks about Djokovic
Speaking to Marca, former Spanish player Imaz stated that he was overwhelmed to see Novak Djokovic express his emotions.
“I sent Novak a message and told him the love I felt for him, that the title is wonderful, but what it taught us all is even more wonderful when he showed his emotions of love,” Imaz said. “They have seen a human being, not a cold and winning machine.
There was no euphoria, but feelings of awareness, empathy, and a lot of love. When he climbed up he collapsed. To share what they were living there and he [Marko] thanked me, but not for me, but for knowing this path, because that hug was of love and that is amazing, that is living without the poison of euphoria, which is like a drug, ephemeral and you need more and more. However, happiness and harmony fill you,” he added.
