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Concerns Rise for Novak Djokovic Ahead of Miami Open Final Amidst Rain Delays
Apprehension has surfaced regarding a potential eye ailment for Novak Djokovic leading into the Miami Open final. The world number five is scheduled to compete against Czech prodigy Jakub Mensik in Sunday’s championship match; however, persistent rainfall has significantly postponed the anticipated contest. This Miami Open final, where Novak Djokovic is vying for his 100th title, is now under a cloud due to both weather and potential physical issues.
Djokovic’s Eye Swelling Sparks Worry
When competition can finally resume, Djokovic and Mensik will need to await the conclusion of the women’s doubles final before commencing their match on the court. However, the delay might be secondary to Djokovic’s apparent physical condition. Television cameras captured images during an earlier practice session revealing visible swelling around his eye, prompting concerns.
Djokovic is aiming to secure a momentous 100th career title in Miami. Nevertheless, his aspirations of claiming the coveted trophy have encountered significant disruptions. The final has already experienced postponement due to inclement weather, and the 37-year-old Serbian athlete now appears to be contending with a physical setback.
Eye Injury Revealed During Practice
Reports from ESPN Vivo Spain indicated a noticeable eye injury affecting Djokovic during his pre-final practice. The area beneath his right eye exhibited swelling, and he was observed using eye drops while training on the court to manage the discomfort.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion typically wears contact lenses and has experienced prior incidents with them. During a past match against Daniil Medvedev at the 2022 ATP Finals, he requested eye drops during a changeover and ultimately had to briefly leave the court to address issues with his lenses.
Similarly, at the 2020 Australian Open, Djokovic asserted he “could not see” due to another issue with his contact lenses and required a medical timeout to resolve the problem.
Uncertainty Looms Over Final Performance
Whether this current eye concern will impede Djokovic’s performance against Mensik remains to be observed. The world number five holds a favorable head-to-head record against the 19-year-old, having defeated Mensik in a three-set quarter-final encounter at the previous year’s Shanghai Masters.
Djokovic is seeking his first tournament victory since securing the Olympic gold medal in Paris last summer. More significantly, he is pursuing his milestone 100th tour-level title, a feat that would further cement his legendary status in tennis.
Anticipation and Delay for Title Pursuit
Leading up to the final, Djokovic admitted to having contemplated the landmark title number ever since clinching his 99th.
“Ever since I achieved my 99th title, which occurred at the Paris Olympics, the prospect of winning this special hundredth title has been on my mind,” he stated.
“I reached the final in Shanghai and came close. Then the semi-finals in Australia. I’ve been striving to rediscover that essential and much-needed level of tennis that will enable me to compete for a trophy, a significant trophy.”
“That has been my focus this week, to be honest. I am very satisfied with my preparation for this tournament and my performance so far. I have not lost a set. It’s a fantastic opportunity. We shall see what unfolds.”
Rain Further Disrupts Miami Open Schedule
However, Djokovic’s opportunity to contest for the Miami Open title and his 100th career victory has been prolonged. The men’s final was initially scheduled to commence no earlier than 8 pm UK time but has been severely delayed due to persistent rainfall.
The women’s doubles final, featuring Russian duo Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider against unseeded pair Cristina Bucsa and Miyu Kato, began at 5:30 pm UK time but was suspended after only a few minutes of play with Andreeva and Shnaider leading 3-0. No play has been possible since due to the adverse weather conditions.