Six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic admitted that he has no idea when he will next play tennis after being eliminated from this year’s tournament by world No. 58 Hyeon Chung

Djokovic took a medical time-out in the first set to have treatment on his troublesome right elbow. He was able to compete wholeheartedly during this 3hr 21min war of attrition, but in the interview room he confirmed that the elbow remains a serious issue despite the five-and-a-half month break he took after last year’s Wimbledon.

“It's frustrating, of course, when you have that much time and you don't heal properly,” said Djokovic. “But it is what it is. There is some kind of a reason behind all of this. I'm just trying my best obviously because I love this sport.

“I enjoy training. I enjoy getting myself better, hoping that I can get better, perform and compete. Today was one of those days where, unfortunately, it was too much to deal with.”

Djokovic’s serve was most obviously affected. He hit only two aces in the match, while his regular double-faults helped Chung take a 4-0 first set lead. He said that the level of pain was not high enough to make him consider a retirement, and that he was hoping to make it into a fourth set to test Chung’s inexperience in lengthy matches.