ELBOW OP PAIN PUTS TSITSIPAS BID IN TROUBLE

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS is an injury concern for the Australian Open as Novak Djokovic was urged to make a quick announcement on the defence of his title.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams will be missing in Melbourne Park while uncertainty remains over world No.1 Djokovic (right) due to Covid rules.

Now French Open finalist Tsitsipas (above) has revealed he is still in pain following an elbow operation and could pull out of the ATP Cup – as well as the season’s first Grand Slam.

The Greek world No.4 only played doubles in the opening tie against Poland in Sydney.

And after losing 6-7 6-3 6-3 to Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in his first singles match yesterday, Tsitsipas said: “I don’t know what my future plans are for this tournament. I’m not really sure. Recovery was the issue with the doubles. I finished that and the next day couldn’t serve. I was in a lot of pain. So I’ll focus on my health and well-being more than anything else right now.”

Djokovic has yet to confirm if he will travel Down Under with the Open starting on January 17. The nine-time champion will have to be vaccinated or granted a medical exemption.

Former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis told Code Sports: “Whether or not he chooses to reveal his vaccination status, he needs to reveal his Australian Open status.

“They can’t make exceptions for him. The rules are there for everyone.”

On the first day of the Adelaide International, Heather Watson went down 6-4 7-6 to Ajla Tomljanovic. And Katie Boulter lost to Daria Saville 7-5 3-6 6-4.