Novak Djokovic admits concerns before Italian Open comeback

Photo by Mark Avellino/Anadolu via Getty Images

Novak Djokovic is set to make his return to tennis today, stepping onto the court for the first time in almost two months.

The ATP Tour hasn’t quite felt the same without him, and this will be just his third tournament of the year, taking place in Rome.

Djokovic has been dealing with an injury that’s kept him out longer than planned, even though he’s already been playing a reduced schedule over the past few seasons.

Speaking to Tennis TV, Djokovic spoke about how he’s been feeling after spending so much time away from the spotlight.

Novak Djokovic shares fitness update before Italian Open return

Photo by IZHAR KHAN / AFP via Getty Images

The interview started with a fitness update, and Djokovic didn’t sound thrilled to answer. His response was blunt and not particularly encouraging: “Well, I’m ready enough to compete.”

He added: “I’m not really the happiest with, you know, the level of tennis or where I am with my movement or the physical, I guess, state, but it’s getting there. It’s getting there.

“I wanted to be back on the tour earlier, but I couldn’t. I was injured and so I had to deal with it progressively and I’m here in Rome where always love coming back and I’ve had a great success so I’m excited you know excited to be back in competition.”

However, his mood improved when talk turned to Rome itself – a place where he has lifted six titles.

He said: “It’s called the tennis Colosseum right for a reason.”

“Amazing crowd honestly the amount of people that come and watch the tournament venue is so historic beautiful just epic to be part of this tournament in every sense.”