Novak Djokovic sends ‘different mode’ warning as he addresses US Open injury ‘issues’

The 24-time major champion also proclaimed that he possesses a mode inside him “that is different” and that he is “just a different competitor” when big tournaments start.

Djokovic practised with Holger Rune for around an hour on an outside court at Flushing Meadows on Friday and was due to continue training with the Dane on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

However, despite Djokovic’s bags being brought to the court and members of his team being present, the Serb did not participate in the second part of the session after receiving treatment.

While this raised concerns over Djokovic’s fitness ahead of his US Open title defence, the 37-year-old has since practised on Saturday and Sunday.

In an interview with Serbian media, Djokovic provided an update on his physical condition that will be reassuring to his fans.

“On Friday, I practised for an hour on the outside courts, and then I had some issues, so I didn’t practise any further at Arthur Ashe,” said the world No 2.

“Today (on Saturday), it wasn’t much of an issue, so I practised with [Stan] Wawrinka both on the outside court and on Ashe, where we get an hour per day. So far, everything is fine, it’s nothing serious in the wider context.”