My elbow is not in an ideal shape but good enough to be ready for the first match – Novak Djokovic

The World No.1 Novak Djokovic has confirmed that his elbow is not in an ideal shape but good enough to be ready for the first match of the Banja Luka Open. Djokovic was stunned by Lorenzo Musetti in the Round of 16 in the recently concluded Rolex Monte Carlo Masters.

The Serbian will take on Luka van Assche in the opening round of the tournament on Wednesday.

“My elbow is not in an ideal shape but good enough to be ready for the first match,” Djokovic told reporters Monday. “One of the good things in tennis is that you get a new opportunity to prove your worth every week and take a step forward. I’ve turned over a new leaf.”

In fact, Djokovic’s serve was broken by eight times by Lorenzo Musetti in the third-round contest.

“Naturally, I wasn’t satisfied with the result in Monte Carlo,” Djokovic said. “But ever since I landed, I’ve felt welcomed in Banja Luka, a lot of positive energy and positive emotions.”

Meanwhile, Luka van Assche registered a 1-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 win against three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.

“I don’t know much about the young French player,” Djokovic acknowledged. “I thought Wawrinka would win the match. I saw [Van Assche] play but not for long, he is a real fighter, fast, it’s difficult to get past him. No one should be underestimated.”

Assche, who is ranked 87th in the world, knows he will have to be at his absolute best against the Serbian.

“Novak is a true champion. Not only in tennis but in sports in general,” he said. “It will be an incredible match. I know I’ll have to give me all to win.”

Djokovic will look to go deep in Banja Luka Open after a disappointing result in Monte Carlo.