Djokovic says he's finally able to play pain-free

Pitching motion

Djokovic, who will play in the second round on Friday, underwent a "small medical intervention" following his loss in Melbourne and has been observed simulating a baseball pitching motion to ensure his right elbow stands up to the test.

"It's one of the ways to warm up and get my body and my mind synchronized with a certain motion that I would like to have with my serve, because that's where I kind of compromise my elbow," he said.

"I'm trying to strengthen the muscles and get into a certain motion that would support the best possible serve.

"I am not yet at my best. Every day is a process for me and it's an opportunity to learn, to grow and get better after the two years of injury and trying to figure out ways how to play pain-free.

"I have had to modify a lot of things in my game to accept it. When I made this intervention, obviously it's pretty invasive and unfortunately in the end it had to be done.

"It also carries certain consequences but right now, I'm not playing with the pain. All I can do now is to try to embrace the process every day."

Agence France - presse