Novak Djokovic Injuries: Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems and How They Were Managed

Novak Djokovic is one of the most successful tennis players in history, but his long career at the highest level has also involved repeated physical challenges. Among the problems publicly documented throughout his career are lower-back injuries, neck stiffness and shoulder pain, all of which can be highly relevant to athletes exposed to repetitive movement, rotation and high physical loads.

For readers interested in chiropractic care, Djokovic’s history is particularly relevant because his professional support team has included physiotherapists and, at different points, chiropractic practitioners. In 2023, the Australian Chiropractors Association documented the involvement of Australian chiropractor Dr Stephen Sassinis Shashyan in Djokovic’s team during the Australian Open, working alongside his physiotherapist and other practitioners.

However, it is important to distinguish between Novak Djokovic Injuries and documented treatment and assumptions. Public reports do not establish that chiropractic care alone treated or cured Djokovic’s injuries. His injury management has involved multiple professionals and different treatment approaches.

Novak Djokovic Injuries History at a Glance

The important pattern is not that Djokovic experienced one isolated injury. Rather, his career illustrates how elite athletes may need ongoing assessment, recovery and physical management when dealing with repeated musculoskeletal problems.

1. Novak Djokovic’s Lower-Back Injury in 2011

One of Djokovic’s most significant publicly documented back problems occurred in September 2011.

Following his victory over Rafael Nadal in the US Open final, Djokovic travelled to the Davis Cup where he was expected to represent Serbia against Argentina. However, his back problem became severe enough to affect his participation.

During his semifinal match against Juan Martín del Potro, Djokovic attempted to continue despite the pain. He eventually stopped during the second set.

According to an Associated Press report published by Tennis.com, Djokovic described the problem as a partial rupture of a back muscle and said that it required rest.

What made the injury significant?

The timing is important.

Djokovic had just completed an extremely demanding Grand Slam tournament before competing in the Davis Cup. Rather than being an injury that appeared completely independently, the problem followed a period of intense competitive load.

His own comments indicated that the back problem had already been present during the US Open and had become progressively more painful.

This is particularly relevant to tennis because repeated:

• Rotation of the spine
• Extension of the lower back
• Sudden changes of direction
• Repeated serving
• Long rallies
• High training volumes

can place considerable physical demands on the back and surrounding musculature.

How was Djokovic’s back injury managed?

The documented approach at the time was rest, after the injury was described as a partial rupture of a back muscle.

This is an important distinction for readers: a significant muscular injury should not automatically be treated as a routine back-pain problem.

If someone develops sudden severe lower-back pain, weakness, neurological symptoms or pain following an acute injury, an appropriate clinical assessment is more important than simply trying to manipulate or stretch the area.

For people experiencing ongoing, non-emergency lower-back symptoms, understanding the potential source of the pain is equally important. Wave Chiropractic & Wellness provides chiropractic assessment and care for people dealing with musculoskeletal complaints such as back and neck pain.

You can learn more about back and neck pain and the different factors that may contribute to these symptoms.

2. Novak Djokovic’s Left Shoulder Injury at the 2019 US Open

One of the clearest examples of Djokovic dealing with persistent musculoskeletal pain occurred at the 2019 US Open.

Djokovic entered the tournament as defending champion but developed a significant problem involving his left shoulder.

The problem was already affecting him during the second round against Juan Ignacio Londero. BBC reported that Djokovic required treatment three times during the match and said the injury was affecting his serve and backhand.

Djokovic continued playing despite the shoulder pain

Rather than immediately withdrawing, Djokovic continued competing.

During the tournament, he received treatment from the trainer during changeovers. He eventually progressed to the fourth round, where he faced Stan Wawrinka.

By that point, the shoulder problem had become much more difficult to manage.

Djokovic later described the pain as having been constant for weeks, and he eventually retired from the match after losing the first two sets and falling behind early in the third.

The official Djokovic website also records that the reason for his retirement was a left shoulder injury, with treatment provided to the shoulder during the match.

What treatment did Djokovic receive?

The reports from the tournament show a combination of approaches rather than a single treatment.

During his matches, Djokovic received:

• Hands-on treatment from the trainer
• Massage
• Medical timeouts
• Physiotherapy/medical assistance
• Pain-management measures

He also said that he had been using different measures to reduce the pain, although he did not disclose the exact nature of his treatment.

This is a useful example of why shoulder pain should not always be viewed as an isolated shoulder problem.

For a tennis player, the shoulder works as part of a larger kinetic chain involving the thoracic spine, neck, scapula, arm and trunk.

That is why an assessment may consider movement throughout the upper body rather than focusing only on the location where the pain is felt.

If you are dealing with similar symptoms, Wave Chiropractic & Wellness provides care relevant to neck and shoulder pain.

3. Djokovic’s Neck Stiffness in 2020

Djokovic also experienced a documented episode of neck pain and stiffness in 2020.

Around the Western & Southern Open, he withdrew from the doubles competition because of neck pain. He subsequently required treatment from the tournament trainer during his singles campaign.

Djokovic explained that the neck problem had been affecting him for several days and that it was particularly noticeable when serving. Contemporary reports also documented that he was dealing with neck stiffness around the US Open period.

At the Cincinnati event, Djokovic managed to overcome the problem and eventually reached the final, where he defeated Milos Raonic to win the tournament.

Why can neck stiffness matter to a tennis player?

The neck does not operate independently from the rest of the upper body.

Tennis involves repeated:

• Head rotation
• Trunk rotation
• Shoulder movement
• Overhead serving
• Rapid visual tracking
• Sudden changes in body position

Neck stiffness can therefore become particularly noticeable when an athlete needs unrestricted movement through the upper body.

Djokovic’s case also demonstrates something important about sports injuries: symptoms can fluctuate.

A player may be able to compete on one day while experiencing considerably more discomfort on another.

For people outside professional sport, persistent neck symptoms can also affect everyday activities such as working at a desk, driving, sleeping or exercising.

Wave Chiropractic & Wellness offers care related to neck pain, with assessment aimed at understanding the individual’s symptoms rather than assuming every case has the same cause.

4. Djokovic and Chiropractic Care at the 2023 Australian Open

One of the strongest connections between Novak Djokovic and chiropractic care comes from the 2023 Australian Open.

The Australian Chiropractors Association reported that Australian chiropractor Dr Stephen Sassinis Shashyan joined Djokovic’s team after being contacted regarding an injury Djokovic had developed in Adelaide before the Australian Open.

The report states that Shashyan worked alongside Djokovic’s physiotherapist and head coach and used chiropractic adjustments, Gonstead manual adjusting and Applied Kinesiology as part of a broader multidisciplinary approach.

It was not chiropractic care alone

This distinction is especially important when discussing an elite athlete.

The ACA report specifically describes chiropractic treatment as being integrated with other modalities and practitioners. The chiropractor also explained that his work needed to complement the physiotherapist’s role rather than replace it.

The treatment team reportedly reassessed Djokovic throughout the tournament, sometimes seeing him more than once per day, depending on the demands of his matches.

This provides a useful example of the role chiropractic care can play within a multidisciplinary sports-health approach.

It does not mean that every injury requires chiropractic treatment, nor does Djokovic’s experience establish that chiropractic care is appropriate for every patient.

Instead, it demonstrates how different healthcare professionals can work together when an athlete needs ongoing physical assessment and management.

5. Djokovic’s Muscle Tear at the 2025 Australian Open

Djokovic’s physical challenges continued into 2025.

During his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev, Djokovic retired after losing the first-set tiebreak because of a muscle injury.

In his post-match comments, Djokovic explained that he had been trying to manage the injury and specifically mentioned medication, strapping and physiotherapy as measures that had helped to some extent.

The episode again highlights the difference between managing symptoms during competition and addressing the underlying physical problem.

For professional athletes, treatment often needs to account for:

1. The nature of the injury
2. The athlete’s competition schedule
3. Recovery time
4. Movement demands
5. Previous injuries
6. The need to coordinate multiple healthcare professionals

That same principle applies to non-athletes, although the treatment plan and goals will be different.

6. Djokovic’s Back and Shoulder Problems in 2026

Djokovic’s more recent injury history shows that physical problems remain relevant even after decades at the highest level.

In October 2026, Reuters reported that Djokovic had been experiencing a difficult season physically and had required medical attention at the China Open. The report noted that he had experienced back and shoulder issues during his US Open first-round loss and that the problems had affected his serve.

Importantly, Djokovic did not publicly disclose a specific diagnosis for the broader health issues he was experiencing in 2026.

Reuters reported that he said he and his team were still trying to understand the underlying problem.

This is exactly where responsible health content matters.

It would be inappropriate to diagnose Djokovic from media reports or to assume that his current symptoms have the same cause as his previous back, neck or shoulder problems

What Novak Djokovic’s Injury History Can Teach Us About Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain

Djokovic’s career provides several useful examples of how musculoskeletal symptoms can affect performance.

1. Pain does not always have one cause

Back, neck and shoulder pain can result from different underlying problems.

For example, Djokovic’s 2011 back problem was reported as a partial rupture of a back muscle, while his 2019 shoulder problem was described as persistent shoulder pain. These should not automatically be treated as the same type of injury.

2. The painful area is not always the whole story

Movement involves interconnected structures.

A person experiencing shoulder discomfort may also have restrictions or movement changes involving the neck, upper back or shoulder blade.

Similarly, lower-back symptoms can occur alongside changes in hip movement, posture or spinal mechanics.

This is why a proper assessment is important before deciding what type of treatment may be appropriate.

3. Treatment can involve several professionals

Djokovic’s publicly documented care demonstrates this particularly well.

His professional teams have included physiotherapists, medical practitioners and chiropractic professionals at different points in his career. In 2023, the Australian Chiropractors Association specifically described chiropractic care being integrated with physiotherapy and other approaches.

4. Elite athletes are not immune to recurring musculoskeletal problems

Years of repetitive training and competition place substantial physical demands on the body.

However, professional athletes also have access to highly specialised support that is not necessarily available to the average person.

Therefore, Djokovic’s treatment history should be viewed as an example of professional sports medicine rather than a treatment prescription for the general public.

How Chiropractic Care May Relate to Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems

Chiropractic care commonly focuses on the relationship between the spine, joints, movement and the surrounding musculoskeletal system.

At Wave Chiropractic & Wellness, care may involve approaches such as:

• Chiropractic adjustment
• Spinal manipulation
• Soft tissue therapy
• Postural correction
• Individualised assessment and management

The appropriate approach depends on the individual’s symptoms, history and clinical assessment.

For example, someone experiencing persistent lower-back symptoms may benefit from an assessment focused on movement and function. Someone with neck and shoulder discomfort may require a different evaluation.

When Should You Get Back, Neck or Shoulder Pain Assessed?

Not every episode of pain requires professional treatment, but persistent, recurrent or worsening symptoms deserve attention.

Consider seeking an appropriate clinical assessment if you experience:

• Pain that continues or repeatedly returns
• Restricted movement
• Pain that interferes with work, sport or sleep
• Symptoms following an injury
• Pain that radiates into an arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Symptoms that are progressively worsening

Severe symptoms, significant trauma, neurological changes or other concerning symptoms may require medical assessment rather than routine chiropractic care.

The goal should always be to identify the most appropriate next step rather than assuming that one treatment works for every type of pain.

Novak Djokovic’s Injuries: Key Takeaways

Novak Djokovic’s injury history shows how demanding professional tennis can be on the musculoskeletal system.

His publicly documented history includes:

2011: A back-muscle injury described as a partial rupture that required rest.

2019: A persistent left shoulder problem that required repeated treatment during the US Open and eventually forced him to retire from his fourth-round match.

2020: Neck pain and stiffness that affected him around the Cincinnati and US Open period and required treatment from the tournament physiotherapy team.

2023: Chiropractic care was incorporated into his multidisciplinary support team before and during the Australian Open.

2025: A muscle tear contributed to his retirement from the Australian Open semifinal, with medication, strapping and physiotherapy reported as part of his management.

2026: Reuters reported more recent back and shoulder issues during the US Open, while noting that Djokovic had not publicly disclosed a specific underlying diagnosis for his broader health problems.

The larger lesson is that back, neck and shoulder problems require individual assessment. Djokovic’s experience also demonstrates the value of coordinating different healthcare professionals when managing complex or recurring physical issues.

For people in Toowoomba experiencing back, neck, shoulder or other musculoskeletal symptoms, Wave Chiropractic & Wellness provides chiropractic care focused on assessment and individualised treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Novak Djokovic have a back injury?

Yes. Djokovic experienced a significant back problem in 2011. Contemporary reports described it as a partial rupture of a back muscle, and rest was recommended.

Did Novak Djokovic have a shoulder injury?

Yes. Djokovic had a persistent left shoulder problem during the 2019 US Open. He received treatment during the tournament and eventually retired from his fourth-round match against Stan Wawrinka because of the injury.

Did Novak Djokovic have neck pain?

Yes. Djokovic experienced neck pain and stiffness around the 2020 Western & Southern Open and US Open period. Reports documented treatment from the tournament’s physiotherapy team.

Has Novak Djokovic received chiropractic treatment?

Yes. The Australian Chiropractors Association reported that Australian chiropractor Dr Stephen Sassinis Shashyan worked with Djokovic around the 2023 Australian Open as part of a multidisciplinary team. The report states that chiropractic adjustments, Gonstead manual adjusting and Applied Kinesiology were used.

Does Novak Djokovic’s treatment prove that chiropractic care can treat sports injuries?

No. Djokovic’s case should not be interpreted as proof that chiropractic care alone treats sports injuries. His care involved multiple professionals and treatment modalities. The documented 2023 chiropractic involvement was part of a broader multidisciplinary approach.

Can a chiropractor help with back, neck or shoulder pain?

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some musculoskeletal conditions, but suitability depends on the individual’s symptoms, medical history and assessment. Persistent, severe or concerning symptoms may require medical evaluation or referral to another healthcare professional.

References

• Australian Chiropractors Association – Novak Djokovic Receives Chiropractic Care
• BBC Sport – Novak Djokovic’s 2019 Shoulder Injury
• Tennis.com – Djokovic’s 2011 Lower-Back Injury
• US Open – Djokovic’s 2020 Neck Pain
• Australian Open – Djokovic’s 2025 Muscle Tear and Treatment