Djokovic “a bit under the weather” in Australian Open first round

Novak Djokovic got what he needed out of his first match in Melbourne: victory. But the world No1 and defending champion would undoubtedly have preferred to spare himself the four hours he spent on court against the talented Croatian Dino Prizmic (6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4), especially as he explained that he wasn’t necessarily at his best physically.

“I am a bit under the weather last, yeah, four, five days,” he said after the match. “You can probably judge by my voice. Look, it is what it is. You just have to try to deal with it and get over it and accept the circumstances and try to make the most of it.”

Djokovic: We’ll play it by ear

Djokovic, who is aiming for an 11th title in Melbourne and a 25th in the Grand Slam, is already thinking about saving his energy if he doesn’t want to blow his chances of going all the way. After the pain in his right wrist he suffered at the United Cup, it’s hard to say that he’s off to the smoothest possible start to the season. But in the past, this has often been more of an advantage than a disadvantage for Djokovic, who has so often shone with his back against the wall.

“I will discuss with my team tomorrow, see if I maybe skip practice tomorrow, tennis practice. Maybe do some light work, gym, jog, some specific exercises just to keep my body in shape.

“I mean, last year I haven’t practised in between any match really. It was different circumstances because I was injured. I think now with two days, it’s quite useful after playing four-hour opening round.

“Let’s see how I wake up tomorrow and then we’ll play it by ear.”

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