He has a huge hurdle to overcome on Sunday night in the shape of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, all 6ft 7ins (201cms) of him. The world No.80 and France’s No.8 is a big man with a huge serve and a walloping forehand – that will test Novak’s poorly shoulder all right. Yet Mpetshi Perricard has had injury issues of his own to deal with.
“Lately I had problems,” he said. “My wrist was in a bit of a problematic shape for a month on clay, but now I’m better, and I’m ready. 100 per cent ready.”
He knows he will have to be ready: no one takes Djokovic, even a struggling Djokovic, lightly. “It’s quite impressive when you have such a major name as an opponent,” the Frenchman said enthusiastically.
“No matter what happens at the end of the match, it’s going to bring a lot to my game. So I’m very excited.”