Novak Djokovic comes through pain barrier to book place in fourth round
NOVAK DJOKOVIC pushed through the pain barrier in order to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.
The 2011 champion took a tumble in the third set and needed medical attention but he ended up prevailing in straight sets against Gilles Simon - 6,4, 6-2, 6-4.
The Serbian eked out a break in the opening set after biding his time but he wasn't in peak form.
After taking the second, Djokovic appeared to have a dip and Simon initially capitalised as he broke early in the third.
Djokovic then landed awkwardly midway through the third set and hurt his shoulder.
It was a sharp pain when I fell. It was an awkward fall and I thought there was a problem with the joint
After his shoulder was manipulated by his doctor, Djokovic clinched victory when he smashed into the corner.
Speaking about his fall, Djokovic said: "Yes it was a sharp pain when I fell. It was an awkward fall and I thought there was a problem with the joint.
"Luckily there's no damage in the joint and the muscle was sore because of the impact.
"I'm just glad to get through."