World · Singapore Bureau
Djokovic calls 2024 season 'big struggle' amid health concerns
Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic has described his 2024 campaign as a significant challenge, attributing his difficulties to an undisclosed health issue rather than fitness concerns. The Serbian star required a medical timeout during Friday's China Open match in Beijing.
LSN Singapore ·
Djokovic's comments came after he called for medical attention during his latest match at the China Open in Beijing on October 2, continuing what has been a testing year for the defending champion.
The 37-year-old Serbian player dismissed suggestions that stamina or conditioning problems were behind his struggles this season. Instead, he pointed to an unspecified health matter that has plagued his campaign.
"This year has been a big, big struggle," Djokovic told media after the match. He refrained from providing further details about the nature of his health concern, maintaining privacy around the medical issue.
The recurring need for medical interventions during matches has raised questions about Djokovic's physical condition as the tennis season progresses. His comments suggest ongoing challenges that extend beyond the typical demands of professional play.
Djokovic remains one of tennis's most decorated players but faces an uphill battle to reclaim peak form before the season's conclusion.