Novak's Self-Inflicted Wound

Novak Djokovic spoke earlier this week about how staying injury-free has been the key to him remaining at No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, but the Serbian suffered a self-inflicted injury during his semi-final against Kei Nishikori at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Rome.

The World No. 1 attempted to clean his shoes with his racquet in the first game of the match, but instead ended up whacking his left ankle with the frame. Although Djokovic managed to hold serve that game, he received a medical timeout afterward to patch up a blister on his ankle bone.

“Awkward situation,” he admitted. “I hit myself pretty hard and actually have a bruised bone [that] was hurting for a while.”

Djokovic’s movement appeared compromised in the first set after his ankle snafu, but he found his speed as the match progressed. He continued to chase down balls after more three hours of play, but said that the pain in his ankle “returned towards the end of the match.” 

Although he acknowledged that the timing of the ankle problem isn’t ideal, Djokovic is confident that he will be able to move freely during Sunday’s championship match against Andy Murray.

“I hope that tomorrow it’s going to be fine,” he said. “I don’t have too much time to recover, but I have had these particular situations a few times in my career. I’ll try to get the best out of it and get on the court giving my all, as always.”

In typical fashion, Djokovic was able to find humor in the situation and jokingly offered some advice to recreational players.

“Message to all the kids out there,” he said. “Be aware, when you’re cleaning your shoes, make sure the frame hits your shoe.”