Joker sees bright side of secret injury

NOVAK Djokovic was in the midst of the hottest streak of his career, systematically stitching together the “Nole Slam.”

By the time the Serb lifted the Musketeers’ Cup at the French Open in Paris in 2016, he was the holder of all four majors.

It seemed no-one on the planet was capable of stretching the baseliner when he was in the zone.

But, beneath the gleaming Djokovic exterior, cracks appeared, first emerging in Melbourne.

“Exactly two years ago, 2016 Australian Open was when the problem with the elbow started,” Djokovic said.

“At that time, it wasn’t as bad so I was managing it.

“But I played for practically a year and a half with it and I decided not to talk about it because I don’t want to talk about injuries.

“Or make excuses and discrediting other guys who win matches.

“It wasn’t pleasant and it was actually getting worse.

“Along the road, I had other issues.

“But I’m not the only one. Every athlete on this planet has to some degree some sort of injury and when I look back I don’t regret anything.”

Following the high point of Paris two years ago, Djokovic’s effectiveness waned.

One by one, the four majors were wrenched away but not Djokovic’s sense of perspective.

“Everything in life happens for a reason,” he said.

“My wife in September gave birth to our second child and I could be there with her and with our children spend five months without separating.

“Those are the beautiful things of life.

“So I try to see it always from the bright side and take things from that way.

“Obviously I missed tennis (when he was sidelined for six months last year).

“I’d never skipped a grand slam, so it was strange.

“At the same time, it was fantastic.”