Novak Djokovic suffering from ‘very unusual’ health issue during Australian Open clash with Tomas Machac

Novak Djokovic appeared under a cloud of ill-health but soldiered on to win his third round Australian Open clash with Tomas Machac on Rod Laver Arena.

The 24-time grand slam champion maintained an extremely high level and looked largely unimpeded by injury during points, but continually looked in discomfort between them, despite comfortably winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

He was covered in tape on his back under his shirt and was been grabbing at his ribs during breaks in play.

The 37-year-old was also clutching at his stomach and even stopped to hunch over himself several times, appearing in considerable discomfort.

“Very unusual,” John Millman said Nine.

Three games into the second set, the Serbian legend took a medical time-out, when he was given some medication and used an asthma puffer.

“That’s not the physio who’s come out, that’s actually the doctor,” Millman noted.

But Djokovic has maintained his impeccable level throughout all three sets.

“He’s been playing great tennis, really set a high level,” Millman added.

“Really, you haven’t seen any evidence during his play that he’s in discomfort; it’s in between points (when he’s looked bothered).”

Brenton Speed added: “Every point is a must-watch point right now. Once he’s in the point, he looks unbeatable.”

Millman pondered whether it may be a respiratory problem, which could explain why Djokovic called for the doctor and not the physio during his time-out.

“I just haven’t seen any evidence of it affecting Novak’s in-court play,” Millman said.

“It looks to me like it’s a problem of him getting in the oxygen; it’s been when he looks to really breathe it all in, is when he’s been in pain.

“And I’m not saying it’s easy, but Novak in service and receiving games has been winning those early points, and then he lets that momentum take him.”

In 2023, Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open title despite scans later revealing a 3cm tear in his hamstring that he had been carrying through the tournament.

In 2021, the Serbian won his ninth Aussie grand slam title despite suffering an abdominal strain in the third round.

Speaking in his on-court interview after the match, Djokovic played down concerns that looked very real during the match.

“I was trying to catch my breath,” he said.

“I struggled, I am not 19 anymore.

“To beat him in straight sets when he was a break up early in the second (set) when I struggled physically there.

“I just somehow managed to turn things around, hold my serve when I needed to — just a couple of points decided that second set that could have gone his way and then maybe the outcome of the match would be different.”