Novak Djokovic speaking after his Australian Open retirement. (Image: Getty.)
will reportedly be able to return to the court in two weeks, despite previous concerns that the Serb would miss months of action.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion hit back at theories that he was exaggerating his injury complaints at the , in Melbourne.
had been among those .
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled,” declared McEnroe on commentary when he was receiving treatment in a quarter-final victory over .
The 37-year-old returned to the court just a few days later for a semi-final against , but had to retire into the second set, ending hopes of a record-extending 11th title Down Under.
Now, trusted Serbian publication claim that Djokovic’s medical examinations have been positive despite tearing a muscle in his thigh.
They claim that after returning to his homeland, Djokovic has sought daily therapies and treatments, after being given the green light by his doctor that he can resume light training in the next few days.
Novak Djokovic walking off the Australian Open court. (Image: Getty)
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The news marks a drastic change in outlook after previously being informed by a specialist that .
Djokovic is set to return to the tour in two weeks at the Doha Open, with his rupture not as serious as the same injury he encountered two years ago.
A full recovery for such an injury typically takes four to eight weeks, with one week already elapsing since his retirement at the first Major of the year, but Djokovic has been tipped to be back on court sooner than that.
“I will not play the Davis Cup, and the tournament in Doha in a few weeks is also still uncertain,” Djokovic said last week.
But he may well make his comeback at the Doha Open should he feel comfortable enough after an encouraging new diagnosis.
Focus has already turned to the in May and June, with Djokovic already admitting that he no longer worries about participating in other events as a veteran on tour.
“Usually in my career I used to have my schedule ready six months in advance, but nowadays that’s not the case,” he said last year.
“Now it’s more spontaneous. Firstly, I need to physically, emotionally and mentally rest in order to even start thinking what I want to do next, in what way, how much and where.
“I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings. As far as I’m concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career. Whether I will play others this year or in the future, I can’t say right now.
“My main priorities are playing for the national team and Slams. Everything else is less important.”