Del Potro asks Djokovic to spend quality time with kids
Novak Djokovic has been advised to spend quality time with wife and kids by Argentine Juan Del Potro as the Serbian prepares for a stronger comeback next year. Del Potro is well acquainted with Djokovic's situation as he has himself missed a large part of his career with frustrating wrist injuries.
After Roger Federer, it is now Novak Djokovic who has decided to take a year-long break from tennis as repeated injuries forced him to withdraw from the US Open following his mid-match retirement from the Wimbledon quarter finals. The 12-time Grand Slam champion announced last week that he would miss the rest of the year with an elbow injury that has been bothering him for over a year now.
28-year-old Del Potro, who is quite familiar with his situation, said, "It's not easy to stop for a long time and come back. Many players can play well after a long injury, but they won't play as good (soon after) as they will in the future. My advice is to have good times at home with the kids and you will be strong enough when you are ready to come back."
The 2009 US Open Champion had to miss a massive chunk of the 2010 season with a right wrist injury and almost all of the 2014 and 2015 campaigns with a left wrist injury. The towering tennis star has made a comeback to the fore but remains wary of his wrists.
He said, "My wrist bothers me sometimes with the conditions and the weather. I have to be aware of that. I'm looking forward to playing a few more years. When you get older you must be smart for training. Now I need to work hard. I lose many positions because of my injuries."
The two-time Olympic medalist is currently aiming for his 20th career ATP title and fourth on the Washington hard courts in the ongoing Citi Open, where he has previously won in 2008, 2009, and 2013.
Previously, Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer had to take a break for the most part of 2016 with a knee injury. And the historic tournament this year saw both Djokovic and Andy Murray withdrawing with elbow and hip injuries respectively.