Novak Djokovic made it through to the third round of the US Open with a straight set 6-4, 7-6, 6-1 victory over Juan Ignacio Londero on Wednesday night in New York, but the win did not come easily.
Djokovic was seen grabbing at his left shoulder multiple times throughout the match and received treatment on it at various points.
Djokovic has the trainer out to get some treatment on that left shoulder – he also had work done on his shoulder during his pre-match warm-up on Ashe earlier in the day…https://t.co/X9w6qio5Oo pic.twitter.com/ULIpe617ys
— Live Tennis (@livetennis) August 28, 2019
He was asked about his shoulder injury during an on-court interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi after the match.
“It was definitely affecting my serve and backhand,” Djokovic acknowledged. “I don’t want to talk about it too much. … This is something I’ve been carrying for quite a while now. It wasn’t easy playing with the pain, but you have to find a way to fight and hope you get some lucky shots, you get some opportunities when they’re presented and take them.”
Djokovic acknowledged the match was difficult but did not want to dwell on his shoulder injury.
“It’s not the first time I’m facing this kind of adversity or challenge. It is what it is and I’m just grateful to be on the court,” he said.
Nole joked that he probably would freeze his arm for the next 48 hours so he could recover for his third-round opponent.
The 32-year-old, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, is looking to win the US Open for the second straight year and fourth time overall.
