Novak Djokovic is optimistic of being fit for the Madrid Masters in two weeks’ time after his wrist injury was found to be not as serious as first thought.
The world number two suffered the right wrist problem in training ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters, where as defending champion he lost to Roger Federer in the semi-finals.
Djokovic fuelled concern with his post-match comments, saying he was in pain on every shot and that he would not be able to play tennis “for some time”.
That prompted speculation he may not be fit for the Masters series events in Madrid or Rome, and perhaps even the French Open next month, the title he covets more than any other.
But the most recent tests have allayed those fears, with Djokovic simply being advised to rest for several days before beginning his preparations for the tournament in Madrid, which begins on May 5.
The Serbian said: “Fortunately, the situation with the injury is better than it first seemed.
“Doctors assured me that I will be ready for Madrid, then Rome and Roland Garros, just as it has been planned.
“However, I need to continue with the recovery process and full medical treatments. It means I will have to take a short break in order to recover as soon as possible.”
Wrist injuries can be particularly problematic for tennis players, with Juan Martin del Potro and Laura Robson the latest to suffer.
Del Potro, who missed most of the 2010 season after having surgery on his right wrist, is facing another prolonged spell out following an operation on his left wrist last month.
Robson, meanwhile, will miss the French Open and Wimbledon after deciding to have surgery on her left wrist to cure a problem that has restricted her to only one completed match this season.