Somdev Devvarman

There are reports about him being injured, but in terms of injury struggle, he’s in a much better place than Rafa [Nadal], his main rival,’’ Somdev, who is among the panellists for Sony Sports Network’s coverage of the Australian Open, said during a virtual media interaction. AFP reported on Wednesday that Djokovic cut short a practice match against Daniil Medvedev due to a left hamstring issue, five days before the start of the Australian Open. 

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Injury worry for the Serb?

He required treatment and the session at Melbourne Park, which was supposed to last 75 minutes, was curtailed after just over half-an-hour as a precaution, reported the ABC and 9News Melbourne. “It’s the hamstring that I had problems with in Adelaide last week. I just felt it pulling and I didn’t want to risk anything worse. I played a set and apologised to him [Medvedev] and he was understanding,” Djokovic said, according to 9News.

Also Read: Felt like playing at home: Novak Djokovic

‘Swiatek serves great’

Among the women, Devvarmann picked Poland’s Iga Swiatek to rule the roost. “The women’s draw is always a tough one, but the favourite this time is Swiatek. She’s No.1 in the world, won two Slams last year [French and US Open] and made it to the semis in Australia. She serves great, defends well and attacks both sides,” Somdev said.