Novak Djokovic reveals stomach troubles at Paris Masters – 'More time on the toilet seat than the court'
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Updated 03/11/2023 at 09:30 GMT
Tallon Griekspoor put up a strong challenge against Novak Djokovic in the last 16 of the Paris Masters on Thursday, but the world No. 1 eventually did enough to battle to a three-set win. Djokovic looked out of sorts during the match and revealed afterwards that he has been plagued with stomach problems, spending "more time on the toilet seat than on the court the last three days."
Djokovic battles back to beat Griekspoor at Paris Masters
Novak Djokovic says he has struggled with stomach issues at the Paris Masters, spending "more time on the toilet seat than the court” ahead of his quarter-final against Holger Rune.
The world No. 1 had to come from a set down to beat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4 in the last 16 on Thursday.
Djokovic looked out of sorts throughout the match and called a doctor to the court after the first set, but managed to battle back in his first tournament appearance since winning the US Open in September.
After the win, the 24-time Grand Slam champion revealed the health problems he has been having in the French capital this week.
"I've been struggling the last couple of days with my stomach and I just didn't feel myself at all," said Djokovic.
“It’s hard to have a clear mind when you spent more time on the toilet seat than on the court the last three days.
“The energy levels were very low the last few days and I’m taking it day by day. Today is probably the worst day so I’m just hoping that tomorrow will be better, that the curve will start going in the right direction for me."
However, Djokovic refused to use his condition as an excuse for his performance after being given a tough task over two hours and 39 minutes against Griekspoor.
"I don't want to take anything away from his performance. He didn't drop the level," the Serbian said.
"Maybe in the third set a few games he did a bit, but he was playing at a very high level and credit to him for that performance. If he would be the winner tonight, it would be absolutely deserved.
“I was just trying to hold my serve and get to a tie-break, which happened in the second. I got lucky on a couple of shots there.
“It could have easily gone his way, but overall I played a good tie-break and I started to feel better in the third.
"I'm really, really glad to overcome this challenge."
Djokovic is first up in the evening session in Paris on Friday against sixth seed Rune in a rematch of last year's final, which Rune won.
Hubert Hurkacz faces Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas meets Karen Khachanov in the first two quarter-finals.
The final semi-finalist will be decided when Alex de Minaur takes on Andrey Rublev last up on Court Central.
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