World no.1 Novak Djokovic says the power of the crowd in attendance at the exhibition event in Adelaide compelled him to make a comeback after his late withdrawal.<\/p>\n
After pulling out of the event just minutes before his scheduled match against Italy's Jannik Sinner, Djokovic stunned the fans in attendance by returning to play the second set of the contest, after his replacement Filip Krajinovic had taken the opening set 6-3.<\/p>\n
Djokovic took out the second set 6-3, winning the match, and offered an explanation for his initial absence and subsequent return.<\/p>\n
"I'm sorry that I didn't step on the court from the beginning," he told Nine.<\/p>\n
"I had to do some treatment with my physio and wasn't feeling my best the last couple of days. I didn't know how I was going to react. I wanted to play and I wanted to get out here and hopefully it was enough for you guys.<\/p>\n
"It's not easy (to play with the blister) but it is part of what we do. We're professional athletes and we learn over the years to play with pain and it's just a question of whether that pain is bearable or not.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
"Coming off a hard training block and having the ATP Cup and the Australian Open around the corner, you don't want to risk it too much. The emotion was so strong in me to come out on the court today to see full stands and I just had to play."<\/p>\n
Earlier, the Serbian said he was grateful to be out of quarantine, having completed his two weeks in an Adelaide hotel.<\/p>\n
"I think we take it for granted these days to be free to be able to walk on the ground," he said.<\/p>\n
"It's great to be out, we had to do it. It was fine here in Adelaide, I must say we trained well, we had four-and-a-half hours to train and be outside with the fresh air.<\/p>\n
"We are just thrilled to be out it feels just a little bit strange to be honest."<\/p>\n
While Djokovic was able to train during his quarantine, he sympathised with more than 70 players who were confined to hard lockdown in their rooms.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/twitter.com\/wwos\/status\/1354995734504992769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1354995734504992769%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Ftennis%2Fadelaide-super-slam-live-results-a-day-at-the-drive-2021-schedule-news%2F38375786-f1f6-4e51-8052-8af970a90de0<\/a><\/p>\n "At the end of the day we are out we are trying to play tennis and bring some good positive emotions to people, that's why we are here to provide entertainment, passion and fun," he said.<\/p>\n "Comparing to quite a large group of players who are still in full lockdown I empathise with them.<\/p>\n "These guys and girls will definitely have a disadvantage, they have done some training in their rooms. It is great the ATP, WTA and Tennis Australia have moved the start date of the lead up tournaments back.<\/p>\n "Hopefully we won't see injuries, that's the main part that concerns me."<\/p>\n Djokovic hit the headlines early in the quarantine period, when he sent a request to Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley, with a raft of suggestions on behalf of players who were isolating.<\/p>\n That included moving as many players as possible to private homes with tennis courts.<\/p>\n The Serbian faced a backlash from the public, but claimed his list was simply a list of "suggestions" and made with good intentions.<\/a><\/p>\n "I know people love to discuss should we have been allowed into Australia, and I understand there are a lot of citizens who are not allowed into Australia," Djokovic said.<\/p>\n "But we are very grateful to be here and compete in one of the greatest tournaments in the world.<\/p>\n There are different circumstances and experiences, this is a very unique experience for myself so let's see.<\/p>\n "I think it is very good that we have 7-10 days before the Australian Open … everyone will have one or two matches in lead up and then we get to the best of five on the men's side. I think I'm ready."<\/p>\n For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/em><\/strong> clicking here!<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n