World number one Novak Djokovic encountered a tough test in the United Cup match against Jiri Lehecka due to a wrist issue.
The Serbian tennis star, preparing for his quest to clinch an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title, displayed visible discomfort during the encounter. Djokovic, experiencing discomfort in his right wrist from the start, required medical attention after dropping the second set in a tiebreak.
Despite the discomfort and evident struggle, Djokovic persevered, clinching a hard-fought 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1 victory, drawing Serbia level with the Czech Republic in this mixed team event. Following the match, Djokovic acknowledged the soreness in his wrist, attributing it to the challenges faced in professional sports.
Initially scheduled to participate in the mixed doubles, Djokovic opted out due to the discomfort, being replaced by Hamad Medjedovic. Earlier, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova provided the Czech team with a 1-0 lead by defeating Olga Danilovic in a close encounter.
Greece faced an unexpected setback against Chile in their Group B opener, with Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas losing a decisive mixed doubles match. Despite Sakkari’s singles win, Chile’s Jarry secured the victory, leveraging Greece’s decision to rest Tsitsipas for the singles event.
The Australian Open, Djokovic’s upcoming major challenge, is set to commence from January 14-28 at Melbourne Park.
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