Novak Djokovic sends ‘different mode’ warning as he addresses US Open injury ‘issues’

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he has been dealing with some physical “issues” ahead of the 2024 US Open, but clarified it is “nothing serious in the wider context.”

The 24-time major champion also proclaimed that he possesses a mode inside him “that is different” and that he is “just a different competitor” when big tournaments start.

Djokovic practised with Holger Rune for around an hour on an outside court at Flushing Meadows on Friday and was due to continue training with the Dane on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

READ: Coco Gauff: Finishing late can really ruin your tournament but US Open taking positive steps

However, despite Djokovic’s bags being brought to the court and members of his team being present, the Serb did not participate in the second part of the session after receiving treatment.

While this raised concerns over Djokovic’s fitness ahead of his US Open title defence, the 37-year-old has since practised on Saturday and Sunday.

In an interview with Serbian media, Djokovic provided an update on his physical condition that will be reassuring to his fans.

“On Friday, I practised for an hour on the outside courts, and then I had some issues, so I didn’t practise any further at Arthur Ashe,” said the world No 2.

“Today (on Saturday), it wasn’t much of an issue, so I practised with [Stan] Wawrinka both on the outside court and on Ashe, where we get an hour per day. So far, everything is fine, it’s nothing serious in the wider context.”

The tennis great was also asked about his lack of hard-court matches heading into the New York major after he withdrew from the Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati.

“I’m not in my twenties anymore, I can’t chase the tournaments that are not absolute priority,” Djokovic explained. “As you guys know, those are Slams, Davis Cup and the Olympics.

“Those inspire me to compete, but I also enjoy the process of practice, of building up your form, body, and mind for the biggest challenges, such as this one in New York.

“It would probably be better if I had a few matches under my belt, but that was the calendar this year, the Games were the priority.

“I came to New York on Tuesday, practising every day and raising my level, although, I must admit, I am jet-lagged more than usual. I don’t know what’s going on, it’s like a part of me stayed in Europe.

“I know that, when a tournament this big starts, I have a mode inside me that is different – when the ball starts rolling, when it starts, I am just a different competitor.

“I hope that the first match will go well, that’s always desirable, and then we’ll take it from there.”

Djokovic will start his campaign today against world No 138 Radu Albot, a Moldovan qualifier. It will be the Serbian’s first match since beating Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic gold medal match.