The reason behind Novak Djokovic’s shock defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final of the Australian Open has been “explained” as a health issue has come to light.
Defending champion Djokovic was favourite to win a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park as he appeared to be in cruise control during the early stages of the season-opening Grand Slam.
However, he came unstuck against an inspired Sinner in the last four as the young Italian crushed him in the opening two sets before Djokovic found his rhythm and threatened to make a comeback by winning the third-set tie-breaker. The world No 4, though, eventually came away with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 victory.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner didn’t mention anything about his health after the match as he instead praised his 22-year-old opponent, but Serbian journalist Luka Nikolic has revealed he struggled with “a severe flu” in Melbourne.
“Information coming from Serbia is that Novak Djokovic had a severe flu against Jannik Sinner which explained the loss,” it was explained.
Nikolic is then quoted as saying on social media: “He got a fever the night before the semi-final. Something similar to what Zverev had. He was sick for three weeks, and then he had a relapse.
“That’s why he played so badly in the first two sets, you could see he was weak and couldn’t do it. He couldn’t play well in those conditions. He didn’t want to go to the doctor so the journalists wouldn’t bother him and make a fuss.”
Novak Djokovic illness explained on X© Provided by Tennis365
Although Djokovic didn’t make a comment about his health after the Sinner match, he did admit during his first-round victory over Dino Prizmic that he was under the weather.
“I am a bit under the weather last, yeah, four, five days. You can probably judge by my voice,” he said. “Look, it is what it is — you just have to try to deal with it and get over it and accept the circumstances and try to make the most of it.
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“I will discuss with my team tomorrow, see if I maybe skip practice tomorrow, tennis practice. Maybe do some light work, gym, jog, some specific exercises just to keep my body in shape.
“I mean, last year I haven’t practised in between any match really. It was different circumstances because I was injured. I think now with two days (of rest), it’s quite useful after playing four-hour opening round.
“Let’s see how I wake up tomorrow and then we’ll play it by ear.”
