World number one Novak Djokovic skipped practice on Saturday after suffering what he described as a “muscle tear” as the wait continued over the defending Australian Open champion’s ability to contest his fourth round match.
The 33-year-old, a record eight-time winner on the Melbourne Park Arena, slipped during the third set of Friday’s third-round match against Taylor Fritz and disappeared off Rod Laver Arena for treatment.
The Serbian, who said he was sure it was a muscle tear on his right side, required further attention on the injury during the third set before he went on to script a five-set win and set up a clash against Milos Raonic on Sunday.