Djokovic feeling good ahead of singles return at Qatar Open

Novak Djokovic made a successful return to the ATP Tour on Monday and says he has no injury concerns after his doubles victory alongside Fernando Verdasco at the Qatar Open in Doha.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a hamstring tear in January which caused him to withdraw from his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev after just one set.

However, after partnering with Verdasco for the Spaniard’s final tournament, the 37-year-old gave an optimistic health update.

“I haven’t felt any pain, so I’ve been feeling great training the past 10 days, and past three days here in Doha,” Djokovic said after their 6-1, 6-1 victory against Karen Khachanov and Alexander Bublik.

“Today’s doubles match, obviously it’s different from singles, but it’s still a match.

“You do have very dynamic movements that you have to do on the court, where you kind of test your body and how it feels.

“It felt great, so I have no concern.”

The Serbian revealed that his recovery after the Australian Open went well and he is back in training.

“I obviously focused mostly on my recovery of the muscle tear that I had,” he said.

“I recovered very well, then I started to train.

“So I’ve been training tennis, I’ve been training for the past 10 days or so.

“I did quite a bit of fitness, and spent time with my family in my country, and here I am.”

Tennis bookmakers have Djokovic as second-favourite to win the Qatar Open, returning +375 at BetOnline.

Should he prevail, it would be his third title in Doha — an event he has fond memories of.

“I always enjoyed myself here,” he said.

“The tournament was played in the first week of the season, prior to Australia, so it was actually a great week for all of us preparing for Australian Open, and flying to Australia through Doha.”

Djokovic’s biggest challenge for the Qatar Open title — which would also be his 100th ATP Tour trophy — is top seed Carlos Alcaraz.

The Spaniard, who is a +137 title favourite with top tennis betting sites, got his campaign underway on Monday with a 6-4, 6-4 win against veteran Marin Cilic.

Djokovic, meanwhile, plays his first singles match on Tuesday, taking on Italy’s Matteo Berrettini as a -400 favourite with Marantelli Bet.

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