NEW YORK—Novak Djokovic said he needed some more recovery time before defending his US Open title.
The world No. 1 got his wish today.
US Open: Live Blog, Day 3
Djokovic received a walkover into the US Open third round when scheduled opponent Jiri Vesely withdrew from their scheduled second-round encounter due to a left forearm inflammation. Vesely upset Djokovic, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, on the red clay of Monte Carlo in April.
The 23-year-old Czech was pushed to five sets in his opening-round win.
The top-seeded Djokovic will face either Argentine's Guido Pella or Russian veteran Mikhail Youzhny for a spot in the round of 16.
Djokovic, who withdrew from Cincinnati to nurse a tender left wrist, took treatment for his right arm and elbow during his 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Jerzy Janowicz on Monday night.
Afterward, Djokovic deflected injury questions.
“It’s never easy to play at this level throughout the year,” Djokovic said after asked again about his health. “There are days weeks, periods of the year when you are not feeling 100 percent. I don’t think it’s necessary to talk about this now. I’m through and taking it day by day.”
Djokovic, asked later in his press conference about getting treatment, said it was just for prevention but did not elaborate.
“To be honest, I take it day by day. That's what I feel at the moment," Djokovic said after the match. "It's good, as I said, just to finish the match. I'm pleased that as the match progressed I was feeling better and better. Tomorrow is a new day. I hope that I'll feel overall good so I'm able to perform at my best for the next match.”
Still, there were some encouraging signs for Djokovic today. He's safely through to round three, gaining the valuable rest and recovery he says he needs and his left wrist did not look hampered during a hitting session late this morning.
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