Novak Djokovic is fit for Qatar Open showdown, eyes 100th title

Novak Djokovic has confirmed his return to the tennis circuit. The former World No 1 will be seen in action at the Qatar Open in Doha. The tournament will kick off on February 17. Djokovic was out of action due to a leg injury, which forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open semi-finals against Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic will also be eyeing his 100th singles title in the professional era. The 37-year-old will become the third player to achieve the historic feat. He will join the likes of Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

Djokovic on injury

Djokovic, in an interview with Montenegrin newspaper Vijesti, confirmed that he has received a “green light” from the medical team.


“There is no more rupture in the muscle, the injury is almost 100% healed. I have the green light from the medical team to be able to train, to be able to prepare. The tournament in Doha is scheduled for a week now, so I am sticking to the schedule. Thank God, I managed to recover quickly," he was quoted as saying.

Djokovic added that he “has had a few more injuries lately” than in the first 15 years of his career. Not a person to give up so easily, he said, “My body still listens to me, the flame and desire for achievement and new achievements still burns in me."

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Injury disrupts Gran Slam record bid

Djokovic had to withdraw from the Australian Open semi-finals due to a torn muscle in his left leg. After losing the first set to Alexander Zverev 7-6 (5), the 24-time Grand Slam Champion decided to quit.

Speaking to the media, Djokovic said that his pain was "getting worse and worse. I knew even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me.”

In 2023, Djokovic missed the French Open quarter-finals due to a meniscus tear that necessitated surgery, but he recovered in time for Wimbledon, where he finished second to Carlos Alcaraz.

Later, Djokovic won his first Olympic gold medal by defeating the Spaniard at Roland Garros.

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FAQs

1. When will Novak Djokovic return to competitive tennis?
Novak Djokovic is set to return at the Qatar Open in Doha, starting February 17.

2. How many ATP titles has Djokovic won?
Novak Djokovic currently has 99 ATP titles and is aiming to become the third player in history to reach 100 ATP titles, following Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.