Tennis enthusiasts voiced their worries about Novak Djokovic`s puffy face prior to the Miami Open final.
The 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals, setting up a final match against Czech young talent Jakub Mensik.
Before the match at Hard Rock Stadium, which was postponed due to storms in Florida, concerns arose regarding Djokovic`s health.
Video footage of Djokovic practicing showed a noticeable swelling under his red right eye.
He was also seen using eye drops on the side of the court before starting his practice session.
Djokovic, currently coached by his former rival Andy Murray, was later seen wearing sunglasses as he walked around the grounds before the final, where he aimed for his potential 100th career title.
The reason for the swelling remains unclear, as is the extent of any discomfort experienced by the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
However, his fans quickly took to social media to share their opinions.
One fan commented, “Knowing Djokovic, he will likely play through it. Hand-eye coordination might be affected, especially in returns. But it is what it is. Give it your best, Nole. The 100th title will come when it`s meant to.”
Another fan wrote: “Damn! Hopefully, it won`t impact his performance today.”
One more added: “He`ll be okay, if this is the extent of his physical issues.”
A fourth person mentioned: “This sometimes happens to me if my allergies are really bad.”
And lastly, another user responded: “He will still triumph.”
Djokovic easily defeated Dimitrov in the semi-finals on Friday.
That match was briefly interrupted when the Bulgarian player confronted a heckler, who was then removed.
Lionel Messi was present in the audience for the Miami Open semi-final and met Djokovic backstage. They exchanged shirts and posed for photographs.
One of Messi`s sons jokingly told Djokovic he needed to elevate his game to surpass Federer as the oldest Masters champion in history.
Djokovic, who benefited from a favorable draw in Florida, expressed his excitement: “It was my first time playing in front of him.”
“I have watched him play several times, including the 2022 World Cup final when he won with Argentina.”
“Having him watch me live brings me great joy and excitement, and also a little pressure.”
“One of his sons rated me an eight out of ten, which is quite good. With a serious expression, he told me I need to make it a ten out of ten for the next match.”
