Novak Djokovic opts for 'small medical intervention' on his elbow

Multiple grand slam title winner concedes he had been deluged with conflicting medical advice but chose procedure after rest and recuperation failed to solve problem

epa06464537 Novak Djokovic of Serbia looks on during a break in his fourth round match against Chung Hyeon of South Korea at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 22 January 2018.  EPA/MAST IRHAM
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Former world No 1 Novak Djokovic revealed on Friday that he has undergone "a small medical intervention" in an attempt to cure his long-standing right elbow injury.

The 12-time grand slam title winner conceded that he had been deluged with conflicting medical advice but opted for the procedure after rest and recuperation failed to solve the problem.

"Truth be told, there were many different opinions, different diagnoses, different suggestions," the 30-year-old Serbian wrote on his official website, novakdjokovic.com.

"It was not easy for me to choose which way to go and what to do. I took six months off last season hoping to come back fully recovered, but unfortunately I still felt pain.

"I really missed competing, it’s in my blood and I had to give it a try at the Australian Open. Anyhow, I agreed with my team that I would try different methods after I finish in Australia and a few days ago I accepted to do a small medical intervention on my elbow."

Djokovic, who was believed to have travelled to the Czech Republic for the surgery, was still bothered by his elbow problem as he crashed out in the fourth round of the Australian Open last month to South Korea's Chung Hyeon.

"It seems like I am on the good road now to full recovery. It’s quite a journey this one, I have to say," added Djokovic, who did not reveal when he planned to return to the tour.

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