Novak Djokovic takes off-court medical time out after calling physio in Medvedev clash | Tennis | Sport
Novak Djokovic was forced to call the physio to court early on in his Adelaide International semi-final against Daniil Medvedev after being spotted stretching his left thigh. The top seed was taken off court for a medical time out after taking an early 5-2 lead over the world No 7.
Djokovic and Medvedev are facing off in a mouthwatering pre-Australian Open clash in the Adelaide semi-final, as the perfect prep for the upcoming Grand Slam with the two men arguably being the two favourites for the title following Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal and Rafael Nadal’s injury woes at the end of 2022.
The world No 5 was quick to take an early break lead over the Russian but could then be seen stretching out his leg at the baseline between points, and suddenly called the physio to court after he saved a break point to end his lead to 5-2. The doctor then called for Djokovic to be taken off-court for a medical time out, while Medvedev waited on his bench with no issues over trying to keep warm in the 30 degree evening heat.
As Djokovic’s supporters in Adelaide waited with bated breath, the 21-time Major champion then returned to the court and resumed play, with the third seed managing to hold for 3-5. But things didn’t seem entirely normal again for the top seed as he continued to stretch out his leg between rallies, though he managed to close out the set 6-3 in 45 minutes.
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