To play, or to not play, that was the question facing Novak Djokovic – or therefore some thought!As World No.1, the Serb was entitled to a $2 million bonus if he played all eight World Tour Masters one thousand tournaments and $1.6 million if he played seven of the eight.
Having already missed the Shanghai tournament due to a back injury, Djokovic had to play in Paris, or else he’d find yourself with nothing -– however then there was that reoccurrence of a shoulder injury in Basel. .
Only Djokovic knew how unhealthy it had been. Would he play at Bercy – would he pass – or would he show up, make the most and leave? Speculation was rife that he’d do the latter.
But, hang on. We’re talking a couple of man who has won over $10 million in prize cash alone this year and who has such a terrific image that he’s currently thought of because the biggest character in men’s tennis, including the stand-out player.
Did we actually suppose he was reaching to play one purpose against second spherical opponent Ivan Dodig and shake hands? after all not! it might have ruined his name and place a black mark on a terrific year.
We’d all be talking concerning Djokovic the mercenary, not Djokovic the marvel.
Had he not thought he might have won the tournament, i think he wouldn’t have played.
It’s as easy as that. With the ATP World Tour finals springing up there was no likelihood he would have risked more injury.
He said at the beginning of the tournament that this injury wouldn’t worsen by enjoying, however it would become additional inflamed and additional painful -– and that’s what happened as Djokovic withdrew before his quarterfinal match with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Paris with constant shoulder injury.
In typical fashion, he apologized to the numerous fans who bought tickets to ascertain him and said quote: "I have pushed myself to the limit by enjoying and, when the match yesterday, my shoulder got worse. For this reason, I actually have to place my health 1st and withdraw - albeit my urges as knowledgeable player are creating me need to play till the last drop of energy."
So currently he has simply over per week to recover till the season-ender, that could be a final likelihood for him to stamp his domination on the remainder of the sector.
Despite the very fact that he in all probability won’t be 100% by then, who would bet against him? Novak has lost simply four matches this season – 2 of that were retirements!