Novak Djokovic suffers a “very unusual” health problem during his Australian Open match with Tomas Machak

Novak Djokovic emerged under a cloud of ill health but went on to win in the third round of the Australian Open against Tomas Machak on Rod Laver Arena.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion maintained a very high level of form and looked unhindered by injury during points, but he constantly looked in a state of discomfort in between, despite winning comfortably 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

He was covered with tape on his back under his jersey and would hold his ribs during breaks in play.

Find out the news with the 7NEWS app: download today

The 37-year-old was also clutching his stomach, stopped bending over several times, and appeared extremely upset.

“Very unusual,” John Millman told Nine.

After three matches of the second set, the Serbian legend was given a medical leave, where he was given some medication and used an asthma inhaler.

“This is not the physical therapist who came out, this is actually the doctor,” Millman noted.

But Djokovic maintained his impeccable form throughout the three sets.

“He was playing great tennis and had reached a really high level,” Millman added.

“In fact, you don’t see any evidence during his play that he’s uncomfortable; it’s between the points (when he seems upset).”

Brenton Speed ​​added: “Every point is a point to watch now. Once he gets to that point, he looks unbeatable.

Millman considered whether the issue might be a respiratory issue, which might explain why Djokovic called a doctor and not a physiotherapist during his layoff.

“I haven’t seen any evidence of it affecting Novak’s game on the court,” Millman said.

“It seems to me it’s a problem with him getting oxygen; that’s when he looks forward to breathing with everything, and that’s when he feels the pain.

“And I’m not saying it’s easy, but Novak serving and receiving matches was winning those early points, and then letting that momentum take him.”

In 2023, Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open title although scans later revealed a 3cm tear in his hamstring that he suffered during the tournament.

In 2021, the Serbian won his ninth Grand Slam title in Australia despite suffering an abdominal strain in the third round.

More to come…