World No 1 Novak Djokovic has admitted that his right elbow is “not in an ideal condition” with the French Open less than six weeks away.
The 35-year-old fell to a shock defeat against Lorenzo Musetti at the Monte Carlo Masters last week when he wore strapping on the same elbow that he underwent surgery on in 2018.
Djokovic refused to talk about the issue after that match but opened up at a press conference ahead of the Srpska Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina this week.
“The elbow is not in an ideal condition, but let’s say it’s good enough,” he told reporters in Banja Luka. “I hope it will be fully ready for the first match.
“One of the good things in tennis is that you get new opportunity to prove your worth every week and take a step forward. I've turned over a new leaf.
“Naturally, I wasn't satisfied with the result in Monte Carlo. But, ever since I landed, I've felt welcomed in Banja Luka, a lot of positive energy and positive emotions.”
Djokovic has little over a month to get into shape, starting with one of the smallest tournaments on the ATP Tour, but one gives the Serbian a chance to play close to home.
“The people welcome me wholeheartedly with a great reception and so much love and support,” said Djokovic.
“So I’m super excited to be here because I think it’s one of the best places for us Serbian tennis players and athletes in general to be able to perform where we have so much love and support from local people.”
The 22-time Grand Slam winner will take on 18-year-old Luca Van Assche in his opening match in Bosnia on Wednesday.
The Frenchman claimed a 1-6, 7-6, 6-4 victory over three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the previous round.
Van Assche, ranked 87th in the world, said it would be a privilege to play against Djokovic. “Novak is a true champion. Not only in tennis but in sports in general,” he said. “It will be an incredible match. I know I'll have to give my all to win.”
While Djokvic battles with his injury concerns, his old rival Rafael Nadal is also struggling to get fit for the Grand Slam in Paris that he has won a record 14 times and begins on May 28.
The Spaniard – who has also won 22 major titles – has not played since his Australian Open second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald in January after which it was revealed that Nadal had been hindered by a hip problem.
The biog
Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.
It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.
They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Reputation
Taylor Swift
(Big Machine Records)
How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed
Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.
Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.
The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.
One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.
That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
UAE group fixtures
Sunday Feb 23, 9.30am, v Iran
Monday Feb 25, 1pm, v Kuwait
Tuesday Feb 26, 9.30am, v Saudi
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza, Rohan Mustafa, Alishan Sharafu, Ansh Tandon, Vriitya Aravind, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Basil Hameed, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Ayaz, Zahoor Khan, Chirag Suri, Sultan Ahmed
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
