Novak Djokovic is facing a challenging time at the French Open, not only battling for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title but also dealing with a personal crisis. A key member of his team, his long-time friend and physio Miljan Amanovic, was suddenly rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery.
Djokovic addressed the situation during a press conference, expressing his concern: “Unfortunately, Miljan is in the hospital. He had a serious situation today and underwent surgery. I wouldn’t want to go into more detail than that.” He further added, “We’re all very concerned. He’s currently stable, but the situation isn’t ideal. He’ll have to stay in the hospital for a few days. We’re all worried. I hope everything will be alright.”
Amanovic’s Long-Standing Association with Djokovic
Miljan Amanovic has been a constant presence in Djokovic’s inner circle for many years, often seen in the player’s box during matches. Their professional relationship spans over a decade, with Amanovic serving as Djokovic’s full-time physio from 2007 to 2017. After a brief separation in 2017, they reunited in 2018, highlighting the strong bond and trust between them.
This isn’t the first time Amanovic’s health has been a concern. In 2018, it was reported that he had suffered a heart attack attributed to the stress of constant travel.
Djokovic’s On-Court Performance Amidst Concerns
Despite the worry surrounding Amanovic’s health, Djokovic managed to secure a straight-sets victory against Corentin Moutet in the second round of the French Open. However, the match wasn’t without its challenges. Djokovic faced a set point in the third set and also required medical treatment for a blister on his left foot.
After the match, Djokovic admitted that the situation with Amanovic was weighing heavily on his mind. “We’re all worried,” he reiterated.
Physical Challenges and Recovery
Adding to Djokovic’s concerns is the physical toll of the tournament. He revealed that dealing with a blister and the resulting bleeding during his match against Moutet took nearly an hour. “It took me, like, almost an hour to deal with the blister and the bleeding that I had,” he explained. “They had to draw the blood out and inject something to dry out the blister. It wasn’t pleasant, but it’s something anyone with a bleeding blister has to endure.”
Djokovic also acknowledged that recovery is becoming more demanding as he gets older, especially without his trusted physio by his side. Despite these challenges, he maintains that he feels “pretty fit” and doesn’t have any major issues.
Road Ahead
Djokovic is set to face Austria’s Filip Misolic in the next round of the French Open. As he continues his quest for a record-breaking Grand Slam title, he will undoubtedly be carrying the weight of concern for his friend and physio, Miljan Amanovic.
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