Djokovic, others face questions over fitness
Source: Agencies |
August 26, 2011, Friday
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NOVAK Djokovic sat in his sideline chair and winced while his right shoulder was massaged and manipulated by a trainer.
Former No. 1 Jim Courier was asked by another announcer on a US TV channel whether Djokovic was still the favorite to win the year's last grand slam tournament, which starts on Monday in New York. "Not even remotely," Courier replied. "Not a scratch on the surface."
Given how great Djokovic's 2011 has been so far, plenty of people still figure he's the man to beat at the US Open. Even with that tired and bothersome shoulder that eventually led him to quit during the final of the Cincinnati Open last weekend. That went into the books as only Djokovic's second loss in 59 matches during a marvelous season that featured a 41-match winning streak and nine titles, including Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
"I mean, it's kind of expected. I've played so many matches this year. I mean, I've been winning, you know, a lot and reaching the final stages of each event," Djokovic said.
"Considering the schedule that is very busy in tennis, it's kind of normal to expect that at some stage you are exhausted."
Ailments
Considering all the ailments and assorted other issues that have hampered so many top players lately, it probably would be appropriate if Djokovic is somewhat less than 100 percent fit.
Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, has blisters on his left foot and tender fingers that he burned by touching a hot ceramic plate at a restaurant, of all things. Aside from that, there is his 0-5 record against Djokovic this year, all in finals, and upset losses at Montreal and Cincinnati.
"Sometimes you are playing well; sometimes you are playing worse," Nadal said. "I am playing a little bit worse now than well."
Roger Federer, who counts five US Open titles among his record 16 grand slam trophies, also exited relatively early at those two key hard-court tuneup tournaments.
Serena Williams cited swelling in her right big toe while pulling out of the Cincinnati hard-court tournament.
Kim Clijsters, whose three US Open titles include 2009 and 2010, pulled out of the tournament because of a stomach muscle injury.
No. 4 Murray was asked whether all of that might bode well for his chances for a first grand slam title in New York.
"I'm sure come the start of the US Open next Monday, all of them will be fine," Murray said. "I think each one of them will be playing great tennis, much better than they have played here."
Former No. 1 Jim Courier was asked by another announcer on a US TV channel whether Djokovic was still the favorite to win the year's last grand slam tournament, which starts on Monday in New York. "Not even remotely," Courier replied. "Not a scratch on the surface."
Given how great Djokovic's 2011 has been so far, plenty of people still figure he's the man to beat at the US Open. Even with that tired and bothersome shoulder that eventually led him to quit during the final of the Cincinnati Open last weekend. That went into the books as only Djokovic's second loss in 59 matches during a marvelous season that featured a 41-match winning streak and nine titles, including Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
"I mean, it's kind of expected. I've played so many matches this year. I mean, I've been winning, you know, a lot and reaching the final stages of each event," Djokovic said.
"Considering the schedule that is very busy in tennis, it's kind of normal to expect that at some stage you are exhausted."
Ailments
Considering all the ailments and assorted other issues that have hampered so many top players lately, it probably would be appropriate if Djokovic is somewhat less than 100 percent fit.
Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, has blisters on his left foot and tender fingers that he burned by touching a hot ceramic plate at a restaurant, of all things. Aside from that, there is his 0-5 record against Djokovic this year, all in finals, and upset losses at Montreal and Cincinnati.
"Sometimes you are playing well; sometimes you are playing worse," Nadal said. "I am playing a little bit worse now than well."
Roger Federer, who counts five US Open titles among his record 16 grand slam trophies, also exited relatively early at those two key hard-court tuneup tournaments.
Serena Williams cited swelling in her right big toe while pulling out of the Cincinnati hard-court tournament.
Kim Clijsters, whose three US Open titles include 2009 and 2010, pulled out of the tournament because of a stomach muscle injury.
No. 4 Murray was asked whether all of that might bode well for his chances for a first grand slam title in New York.
"I'm sure come the start of the US Open next Monday, all of them will be fine," Murray said. "I think each one of them will be playing great tennis, much better than they have played here."
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