Djokovic to reassess fitness situation after shock exit

Melbourne: Novak Djokovic says he will reassess his fitness situation after a painful defeat to South Korean youngster Chung Hyeon at the Australian Open on Monday.

The Serb former world No.1 played in great discomfort with a recurrence of his right elbow injury and a possible hip/groin problem sustained during the three-set loss in the fourth round on Monday.

The six-time winner said his physical situation was "not great" and he would discuss matters with his team medical staff in deciding what to do in the early part of the season. 

"Yeah, unfortunately, it's not great. Kind of end of the first set it (elbow) started hurting more. So, yeah, I had to deal with it till the end of the match," Djokovic told reporters after the match.

"Now I don't know. I have to reassess everything with my team, medical team, coaches and everybody, scan it, see what the situation is like," he added.

"In the last couple weeks I've played a lot of tennis. Let's see what's happening."

Djokovic came to Melbourne without playing a tournament since Wimbledon in July when a right elbow injury forced him to shut down his 2017 season.

"I have to say I'm very grateful I had the chance to play. I didn't know if I'm going to play or not," Djokovic said.

"So I played four matches here. It was a good tournament. It's disappointing to go out in the fourth round. The circumstances are such I have to accept it. That's the reality," he added.