Novak Djokovic battled through shoulder pain to claim a dogged three set win over Viktor Troicki in the third round of the Paris Masters.
Djokovic's body really just needs rest at the moment but credit to him, he's determined to put up a good show for the fans at the final Masters 1000 event of the year and his efforts have been greatly appreciated this week.
Quite how much further he can continue in the event is in question as if Troicki had possessed more belief after claiming the first set of their encounter on Thursday, he may have been able to finish his friend off.
As it was Djokovic clawed his way back and then steamrolled through the decider to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
"At this level, everybody is equal," Djokovic said afterwards. "I've known Viktor for a long time and there are no secrets. I went on court not too warmed up or focused and I felt a little pain in my shoulder. I'm not really worried because I know it's not an injury, just strong inflammation. Unfortunately I need couple of days to recover and I don't have that this week in Paris. I will have to find a way to recover and I'm sure I'll be fit for London."
"I'm happy with the way things are going progress and game wise. It's only my second indoor event after December last year, so I'm still kind of getting used to the conditions."
