21 January 2023 , 15:01
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Tennis star Novak Djokovic has praised his fellow experienced players Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal for the standard of their tennis at the Australian Open.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner has struggled with a hamstring issue he suffered before the tournament began. The 35-year-old received treatment twice on court despite winning his third round match against Grigor Dimitrov 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 to book his place in the last-16.
Murray, aged 35, looked physically exhausted as he fell to a 1-6, 7-6, 3-6, 4-6 third-round defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut. The match came just 39 hours after Murray's epic five-set win against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Nadal's Australian Open defence ended in tears after the 36-year-old suffered a muscle injury during his second round defeat against Mackenzie McDonald. Djokovic is the only of the three veteran stars to reach the fourth round and praised the efforts of his rivals during the tournament.
"I think 35 is the new 25,’ said Djokovic. "Look at Rafa (Nadal), look at Andy (Murray). They’re playing to an extremely high level, we are trying to do the same.
Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear
"Every season counts when you come to the last stage of your career, you start appreciating and valuing every tournament more because you know you might not have too many more in the tank. I love competing almost 20 years now pro sport I can’t be more grateful than I am."
Novak Djokovic celebrates his third round victory against Grigor Dimitrov (Aaron Favila/AP/REX/Shutterstock)Will Novak Djokovic overcome his hamstring injury to win the Australian Open? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section
Djokovic meets 22nd seed Australian Alex de Minaur in the Australian Open fourth round on Monday with the Serbian hoping that the time is sufficient enough to rest his hamstring injury.
The 35-year-old showed less pain than during his second round match against Enzo Couacaud but admitted his injury was still "really bad".
He added: "Well, it kind of always starts well in last few matches, including this one, and then some movement happens and then it gets worse. Yeah, pills kick in, some hot cream and stuff. That works for a little bit, then it doesn't, then works again.
"It's really a roller coaster, honestly. It requires a lot of energy that is being spent from my side mentally and physically, as well, to deal with the match with my opponent and also with not ideal physical state."