TENNIS fans expressed their concern at Novak Djokovic’s swollen face before the Miami Open final.
The Serb great, 37, beat Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-final to set up the showdown with Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.
But ahead of the match inside the Hard Rock Stadium, which was delayed by storms in Florida, there was worry over Djokovic’s wellbeing.
That is because video footage of Djokovic practising showed him with a big lump under his reddened right eye.
He was also spotted taking some eye drops at the side of the court before beginning his hit.
Djokovic – now coached by former rival Andy Murray – then wore a pair of sunglasses as he walked around the grounds before the final and potentially his 100th career title.
It is unclear what caused the injury or how much pain the 24-time Grand Slam champion was in.
But his beloved fans flooded social media with posts.
One said: “Knowing Djokovic, he’ll play through this. Hand eye coordination could be affected ie; returning. But it is what it is. Do your best Nole. 100 can or will come when its meant to.”
Another wrote: “Damn!!! It better not affect his game today.”
A third added: “He’ll be fine, if that’s the extent of any physical problems he has.”
A fourth commented: “This happens to me occasionally if my allergies are bad enough.”
And a final user replied: “He will still prevail.”
Djokovic breezed past Dimitrov in the semis on Friday.
The match was halted early on when the Bulgarian confronted a heckler, who was duly kicked out.
Lionel Messi was in the Miami Open crowd for the semi and met with Djokovic backstage, exchanging shirts and posing for photos.
And one of Messi’s sons told Djokovic he must up his level as he tries to surpass Federer as the oldest Masters champion in history.
Djokovic – boosted by an easy draw in Florida – gushed: “It was the first time I’ve played in front of him.
“I’ve watched him play a few times. The final of the 2022 World Cup when he won with Argentina.
“To have him watch me live obviously brings me great, great joy and excitement, and also a bit of pressure.
“I was rated by one of his sons as eight out of ten, which is pretty good. With a serious face, he told me I have to make it ten out of ten for the next match.”
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