Novak Djokovic confirmed Tuesday that his injured wrist requires rest. Just not that much rest.
Tennis.com reported that the world's No. 2 player will go through with plans to play the Mutua Madrid Open from May 2-11, which will help him prepare for the French Open at the end of May. He also plans to play the Rome Masters from May 12-18.
According to tennis.com, a release from the ATP said a medical analysis of Djokovic's injured right wrist showed that the ailment is "not that serious" and that Djokovic will rest the wrist for several days before returning to competitive play.
"Fortunately, the situation with the injury is better than it first seemed," Djokovic was quoted as saying. ''Doctors assured me that I will be ready for Madrid, then Rome and Roland Garros, just as it has been planned. However, I need to continue with the recovery process and full medical treatments. It means I will have to take a short break in order to recover as soon as possible."
Playing in Madrid and Rome were part of Djokovic's plan to build momentum before Roland Garros in an effort to dethrone defending champion Rafael Nadal.
"It was in my thoughts constantly. Last year, I put a lot of energy-mentally, physically, and emotionally-into winning that title," Djokovic said of the French Open. "It didn't help much for the tournaments prior to that, like Madrid and Rome. I have a different kind of approach this year.
""This is where I want to do well and eventually get myself in a very good position in terms of confidence for the French Open," he said.
Nadal is entering May in a bit of a confidence crisis after bowing out of the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. Djokovic's main challengers could be Stan Wawrinka, who won Monte Carlo, and Roger Federer, who defeated Djokovic in the semifinals and has two wins over him this season.
If Novak Djokovic is healthy going into the French Open, who is the favorite to win that tournament? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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