Hindi inalintana ni defending champion Novak Djokovic ang problema nito sa balikat upang kanyang magapi si Juan Ignacio Londero ng Argentina sa second round ng US Open.
Sa kabila ng nararamdamang sakit, ipinilit ni Djokovic ang 6-4 7-6(3) 6-1 win kontra kay Londero sa Flushing Meadows.
Sa kalagitnaan ng laban sa Arthur Ashe Stadium ay kinailangan ni Djokovic na sumaillalim sa treatment sa kanyang kaliwang balikat.
Pag-aamin ni Djokovic, hindi nya raw alam kung matatapos pa nito ang laban dahil sa shoulder injury.
“I had to take time to address the injury that I have. It has caused hindrance to my game for sure tonight, especially with the serve and backhand. It was not easy to play with this kind of sensation, to be honest. I did not experience that too many times in my career.
“I was also lucky to find my way back in the second set and to win in the straight sets. I had obviously, you saw, a medical timeout. At changeovers, I tried to use within the rules as much as I can physiotherapy and medical help. That has definitely helped me stay in the match.
“The way it has started for me, especially midway through the first set, I didn’t know if I would be able to finish the match. I’m really glad I have.
“I’m going to assess this injury tomorrow [Thursday] even more with further consultations with experts in sports medicine. I’m hoping that in two days’ time I will be able to play pain-free, if that is possible.”
Posibleng sunod na haharapin ni Djokovic ang kababayang si Dusan Lajovic, o ang American na si Denis Kudla.
