Tennis: Top-ranked Novak Djokovic Faces Wrist Complications at United Cup

During his match at the United Cup against Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday, world number one Novak Djokovic faced a wrist issue but managed to secure a 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1 victory, bringing Serbia to an even standing with the Czech Republic in the $10 million mixed team event.

Djokovic, preparing for his bid for an 11th Australian Open title, showed signs of discomfort with his right wrist during practice and in the first set at RAC Arena. After the initial set, he received attention from a trainer for his wrist, giving Lehecka the chance to win the second set in a tiebreak.

Before the final set, Djokovic took a medical timeout and returned with vigor, quickly building a 5-0 lead and eventually winning the match. Post-match, the 36-year-old acknowledged his wrist soreness but expressed determination to manage the issue and find solutions.

Djokovic was initially slated to participate in the mixed doubles with Olga Danilovic, but Hamad Medjedovic replaced him. Earlier, Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic had defeated Danilovic 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, giving the Czechs an initial lead.

In a surprising turn, Greece, represented by Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas, was defeated by Chile in their Group B opener. The mixed doubles match saw Sakkari and Tsitsipas fall 6-7(5), 6-3, 10-6 to Daniela Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera at Sydney’s Ken Rosewell Arena.

Sakkari secured a win over Seguel in the opening match, but Chile’s Jarry evened the score by beating Stefanos Sakellaridis. Greece chose not to play Australian Open runner-up Tsitsipas in the singles. The Australian Open Grand Slam is set to take place from January 14-28 at Melbourne Park.