Djokovic tips Scot to play through the pain barrier

Novak Djokovic expects Andy Murray to either recover from his hip injury or play through pain to defend his title next week at Wimbledon.

The world No 1’s preparations were again undermined when injury forced his withdrawal from an exhibition match at Hurlingham scheduled for today. On Tuesday the same problem led to him pulling out of facing France’s Lucas Pouille, with the Scot having also suffered from shingles, the flu and an elbow injury amid his inconsistent form so far in 2017.

World No 4 Djokovic on Wednesday learnt he had been seeded second behind Murray at Wimbledon, despite his disappointing results over the past 12 months.

His rivalry with his fellow 30-year-old will likely be the one that defines his career, and discussing Murray’s prospects he said: “I’m sure Andy does everything in his power to get himself ready and prepared for his first match.

“He’s got a team of great professionals. There is a reason behind it, because they all make sure that every single aspect of our bodies are being taken care of and worked on and to the state where you can perform your best.

“At times it’s not possible. But we have learned how to play through pain. Professional athletes are very familiar with pain on a daily basis, whether it’s a small stiffness, tightness, soreness, or something even bigger.

“There are times when you have to take antiinflammatories. There are times when you try to do it without the tablets. I’m sure all the athletes can relate to that.

“But he’s a champion. He’s someone that has proven so many times that he’s one of the best players in the world. He’s defending champion of Wimbledon. You’ve got to take this in consideration rather than just focusing on this very present moment.”

Djokovic had earlier overcome Donald Young of America 6-2, 7-6 (11/9) to progress to the semi-finals of the Aegon International at Eastbourne, where he is the No 1 seed.