Djokovic shakes off wrist scare to face up to Czechs

Justin Chadwick | January 2, 2024

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has been cleared to continue his United Cup campaign despite suffering a wrist injury while practising on Tuesday morning.

Djokovic was troubled by his right wrist during practice and required intense treatment on the sidelines from his physio.

The 24-time grand slam winner left the area a short time later but has been confirmed to play in Serbia’s United Cup clash with the Czech Republic.

Serbia trail 1-0 in the tie after reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova defeated Olga Danilovic 6-1 3-6 6-3 in two hours, four minutes.

It means Djokovic must defeat world No.31 Jiri Lehecka to keep Serbia alive in the tie.

If Serbia defeat the Czech Republic they will face Australia in a dream quarter-final match-up on Wednesday night.

That would pit Djokovic up against world No.12 Alex de Minaur, who showcased his potential with a devastating 6-4 6-2 win over world No.10 Taylor Fritz on Monday.

Vondrousova raced through the first set of her women’s singles encounter, but the world No.7 hit the skids in the second as Danilovic finally found her groove.

But she thrived in the big moments of the third set to seal victory and give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead.

Danilovic converted four of her 10 break point chances for the match, but Vondrousova was more efficient by converting six of her seven opportunities.