"Mini injury is now behind me": Novak Djokovic gears up for another special reunion in Tel Aviv

TEL AVIV—Novak Djokovic is optimistic the right wrist problem that flared up last weekend at Laver Cup is now in the rear-view mirror.

The 21-time major champion arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday from London, where a lack of match fitness and The O2 Arena’s conditions factored into developing wrist soreness. After hitting behind closed doors around midday Tuesday, the 35-year-old came off the court much more confident about his competitive health.

“Today, I practiced almost two hours and it was OK. I’m feeling good,” Djokovic told local press. “Happy that the mini injury is now behind me. Hoping it, knock on wood, stays the way I want it to stay for the tournament.”

Djokovic is the top seed at an ATP 250 event that came together when China’s swing of tournaments was canceled. Ideal placement on the ATP’s revised calendar played into Tel Aviv’s favor with securing Djokovic as its marquee headliner, for he prefers to “connect” two to three tournament weeks together and had previously committed to play Laver Cup.

Last time I was here, I had a fantastic experience. I was very welcomed by people. Novak Djokovic

History was also on the tournament’s side. One of Djokovic’s fondest memories as a professional tennis player came in the early stages of his pro career on his first visit to Israel, when the then 18-year-old guided Serbia’s Davis Cup team past the host nation at Canada Stadium in Ramat HaSharon.

“One of the best and loudest atmosphere I ever experienced. Very passionate people for sports here. It’s great to see that, because I like that kind of passion and love that comes in from the people towards sports,” Djokovic said.

“I haven’t been here for many years. And last time I was here, I had a fantastic experience. I was very welcomed by people. I have collaborated also with people from Israel, my fitness coach and manager for many years. All [these] factors have decided for me to come here.”

Djokovic is pulling double duty this week for another special occasion. After helping send off Roger Federer in grand fashion, the Serbian is reuniting with Jonathan Erlich in the home favorite’s farewell tournament. Erlich owns the distinction of being the only player to partner Djokovic to an ATP doubles crown following their 2010 triumph at London Queen’s.

“He agreed to play with me? It’s the other way around,” Djokovic stated when responding to a question about the collaboration.

“I didn’t know it was going to be his last tournament. I’m honored and very happy to be next to him on the court for his last tournament in front of his people and hometown. It could not be a better farewell and hopefully it’s not going to only one match.”

Djokovic and Erlich are scheduled to face Sander Arends and Bart Stevens not before 6:30 p.m. local time Wednesday. Come Thursday, Djokovic meets the winner of a first-round match between Thiago Monteiro and Pablo Andujar.