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PARIS (Reuters) – Injury concerns clouded Novak Djokovic’s hopes of a second French Open title as he said he had suffered neck and shoulder problems during his laborious quarter-final victory over Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old top seed walked to an icy Court Philippe Chatrier with the back of his neck bandaged and also needed treatment on his upper arm during the game.
It looked like Carreño Busta was prepared to cause a surprise when he won the first set, but Djokovic survived to win 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 and advance to his 10th French Open semi-final where he will play Greece. fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“I definitely didn’t feel very good coming onto the court today. Few things happened in the warm-up,” said Djokovic, who seemed especially restrained on his trademark backhand early on.
“I had to deal with those physical problems going on the court. As the game progressed, I felt better, I didn’t feel as much pain. Especially in the set and a half he was the best player, dictating the play. Very neutral.
“I didn’t have a lot of energy in my legs or in the movement or the game itself. It took me about a set and a half to get really comfortable.”
When asked exactly what the problem was, Djokovic said: “I had some neck and shoulder problems. I don’t want to get too into it.”
“Obviously I’m still in the tournament so I don’t want to reveal too much.”
It was Carreno Busta whom Djokovic faced in the fourth round of the US Open a month ago when he hit a linesman in the throat with a ball he had struck in frustration and was disqualified.
Djokovic said that humiliating episode had not crossed his mind in Wednesday’s clash in which he was below his best after losing his first set of the tournament.
“I told them many times that I got over it. I’m not thinking
about this at all. I mean, zero percent, “Djokovic said.
His path to what he hopes to be an 18th Grand Slam title is now blocked by Tsitsipas, who will be dangerous, especially if Djokovic is less than 100% fit.
“I expect a really tough, difficult game, a difficult challenge for
both of them, “said Djokovic.” He’s a great guy, great service. He has weapons, obviously serve and forehand.
“I hope I can feel my best.”
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis)
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