Novak Djokovic encountered a worrisome injury just days before his US Open title defense, resulting in the need to abruptly end a training session with Holger Rune on Friday. While practicing at Flushing Meadows, the Serbian player experienced discomfort and was unable to continue after receiving treatment.
On Friday afternoon, a multitude of fans flocked to the Arthur Ashe Stadium to witness the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s final preparations alongside Rune. However, after half an hour, Djokovic was nowhere to be seen, causing Rune to depart the court. In a gesture of goodwill, Rune offered photos and autographs to the disappointed crowd.
But, according to media reports, the 37-year-old picked up an issue while out on a small training court with Rune, who was informed after half an hour of waiting that his partner wouldn’t be continuing.
There was some uncertainty surrounding Djokovic’s absence, given that his team members and his belongings were prepared and waiting on the Arthur Ashe court. According to reports, the Norwegian tennis player and Djokovic engaged in a rigorous training session from twelve to one o’clock local time in New York.
The severity of the injury sustained by the four-time US Open champion is yet to be determined. However, Rune made sure that those in attendance during fan week were not too disheartened by hitting balls towards the crowd before leaving.
The report states that the young player, aged 21, then proceeded to continue his training with a new hitting partner on one of the smaller courts for an additional hour.
Djokovic secured his fourth US Open title and his 24th major championship last year when he defeated Daniil Medvedev with a score of 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.
His 2024 season is set to begin on Tuesday, where he will face Moldova’s Radu Albot. This comes right after his triumph in winning his first-ever Olympic gold medal in Paris earlier this summer, where he emerged victorious in the final against Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros.
If he emerges victorious against Albot, it will set the stage for a second-round match against either Jan-Lennard Struff or Laslo Djere.
