• BNP Paribas Masters

Djokovic playing through the pain in Paris

ESPN staff
November 9, 2011
Novak Djokovic is still stuggling with a shoulder problem © PA Photos
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Novak Djokovic has admitted he has taken a gamble with his fitness after failing to shake off a shoulder injury ahead of the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.

The world No. 1 booked his place in the third round with a routine 6-4 6-3 win over Ivan Dodig, but it was a far from dominant display from the Serb.

Djokovic, who suffered a recurrence of the shoulder injury that forced him to retire from the Cincinnati Masters final in August, was a doubt to play in Paris this week.

But with a £1 million payout at stake, Djokovic played through the pain to scoop the bonus for playing seven of the eight Masters events.

"I didn't know what to expect," Djokovic told Sky Sports. "I finished the tournament in Basel and I wasn't confident that I could compete this week. But I took a couple days off and tried to recover at home.

"I know that I haven't played today at the top of my game but I think I played good enough and the pain is not as strong."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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