Novak Djokovic provides eye injury update with Serb to see doctor in Monte-Carlo

Novak Djokovic has given an update after picking up an untimely eye injury ahead of the recent Miami Open final. The world No. 5 was spotted with a nasty-looking swollen eye before the championship match against Jakub Mensik and went on to lose in two tiebreak sets. At the time, Djokovic didn’t want to address the issue.

The 37-year-old has now confirmed that he suffered with an eye infection during the semi-final in Miami. Djokovic has also been dealing with an illness and is set to visit the doctor ahead of his opening match at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Djokovic played arguably his best tennis in months to reach the final in Miami, getting there without dropping a set. However, the Serb raised concerns on the last day of the tournament, using eye drops during his practice session in an attempt to cure the swelling.

When he finally took to the court for the final after hours of rain delays, the 24-time Major winner also seemed to be struggling in the humid conditions. But he refused to share the details of his physical issues, not wanting to “give excuses” for the loss.

A week on, Djokovic confirmed that the eye infection almost threatened his chances of playing in the Monte-Carlo Masters.

“It was [in doubt]. Particularly because of the infection of the eye and and a little bit of a viral infection I've been dealing with last week, but it seems to be okay these days. I mean, not ideal,” he said.

While Djokovic didn’t want to take away from Mensik’s victory in Florida, he also admitted it hindered him on the court.

The world No. 5 added: “Well the eye, yes. Unfortunately, it started in semi-finals day in Miami and so I did struggle with it in the finals.

“But it's calming down, I guess. I mean, I'm visiting the doctor later today, so let's see, should be okay for the for the first round here.”

As one of the top seeds, Djokovic has the benefit of receiving a bye directly into the second round in Monte-Carlo, where he will face either Stan Wawrinka or Alejandro Tabilo.

But he isn’t expecting much from his first outing in this year’s clay-court swing.

“I didn't have much time to get used to this tournament, so my expectations are not really high for the result here,” he explained.

“So it's more about trying to get matches and as many as possible, and obviously try to peak towards the end of the clay season, which is, of course, most importantly in Paris.”

If he does face Wawrinka in his opening match, it will be their 28th meeting. The Swiss star recently turned 40 and Djokovic joked that it could be a historic contest.

“It would be a nice duel of veterans if we meet on the court. Maybe we would go down in history, maybe as the oldest matchup, who knows?” he laughed.