Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Djokovic Cuts Melbourne Practice to 12 Minutes as Neck Issue Clouds Australian Open Bid

A brief workout with visible neck treatment has sharpened doubts about his readiness.

Overview

  • A second session on Court 10 lasted roughly 12 minutes, much of it spent receiving intensive neck work from his trainer, and he was seen struggling to serve.
  • He later played a scheduled practice set against Daniil Medvedev and lost 5–7, offering only limited reassurance about match sharpness.
  • On-site reports from his earlier Rod Laver Arena hit described ragged movement, frequent pauses for towels, and extended efforts to catch his breath.
  • Djokovic withdrew from the Adelaide International days earlier, saying he was not quite physically ready to compete.
  • He remains entered as the No. 4 seed with the Australian Open draw due Thursday in Melbourne, though his recent match play has been sparse since the US Open.