Novak Djokovic was unable to express his best tennis on the last day of the Laver Cup competition due to a wrist problem. The Serbian champion seemed to be in top form last Saturday, when he defeated Frances Tiafoe in straight sets and won the doubles match alongside Matteo Berrettini.
The long period of inactivity that has characterized the period after Wimbledon for the player from Belgrade, who was forced to skip the American Masters 1000 and the US Open due to the registration regulations in force in the United States, has however had its effect.
In the match that he lost in straight sets to Felix Auger-Aliassime, Djokovic failed to make an impact and did not find the right rhythm. The Canadian, who played one of his best games, was not influenced by factors outside the field and achieved a very important victory.
A victory that allowed Team World to take an unexpected lead and earn three points, which turned out to be crucial for the final success. Djokovic, in a press conference, addressed his wrist discomfort and described the differences with the problems he had in the past.
“I had wrist problems for four or five days. I managed to get it under control, but the two games on Saturday took their toll. It wasn’t easy. I couldn’t serve as quickly and accurately as I would have liked. Perhaps it is due to the fact that he had not played for almost three months.
And, here, you still need to generate a lot of wrist action and speed. That could be the reason why he felt pain.”
Djokovic missed two Slams in 2022
Novak Djokovic said that he enjoyed being part of Team Europe and took with him memories that will last a lifetime.
“I’m happy to have been part of the European team, unfortunately we lost, but I think It was a fantastic week that I will stay with me forever,” said Djokovic. “I think it has been very exciting, particularly because Roger said goodbye and we have all been able to feel a great energy because it is his farewell and because he has contributed a lot to tennis.
He is one of the founders of the Laver Cup, it was his idea and I think that It was a fantastic way to say goodbye to your own competition. It’s unique, it allows us to meet each other on the track, have fun, compete. We’re human and we respect each other,” added Novak Djokovic.
