Novak Djokovic had returned to winning ways in his opening match at the Miami Open following a recent poor run of form.
Djokovic made unwanted history at Indian Wells, before returning to the Miami Open for the first time since 2019.
This losing run came to an end at the second half of the sunshine double, with Djokovic beating Rinky Hijikata in straight sets in his opening match of the tournament.
Djokovic continues to be coached by Andy Murray, who will be hoping what happened in his player’s subsequent practise session is not a sign of things to come.
Novak Djokovic suffers shoulder issue in Miami Open practise session
Djokovic is a six-time Miami Open champion, with only Andre Agassi matching him for most titles won in the men’s singles tournament.
As the Serbian bids for a record seventh title at the Floridian Masters 1000 tournament and 100th ATP title overall, he appears to have suffered a scare while training ahead of his next match.
Djokovic retired at the Australian Open due to a leg problem, but it appeared that it was his shoulder bothering him while practising in Miami.
This required some attention from his long-term physio Miljan Amanovic, with the session concluding after an hour.
Djokovic’s next match at the Miami Open is against lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli, who he has never previously played before.
Despite the concern surrounding his shoulder, Djokovic still has a practise scheduled prior to his match on Court 12 alongside Taylor Fritz.
Could Novak Djokovic capitalize on his rivals suffering early Miami Open exits?
While Djokovic’s fitness status is unclear, he is the only previous men’s singles champion remaining in the Miami Open draw.
This comes after both Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz lost their opening matches, while defending champion Jannik Sinner remains banned from tennis until May.
Hubert Hurkacz was the only other former Miami Open champion in the draw this year, but withdrew due to a lower back injury.
Not only is Djokovic the only former champion remaining in the Miami draw, but both Indian Wells finalists Jack Draper and Holger Rune are also now out of the tournament.
Alexander Zverev and the aforementioned Fritz are the only players ranked higher than Djokovic still in the Miami draw, as they also look for a return to form.
Djokovic will play his third round match at the Miami Open against Ugo Carabelli on Stadium Court on Sunday March 23.
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