Famous journalist reveals ‘confusing’ tactics used by Novak Djokovic during his injury-prone Australian Open quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz

The journalist is convinced Novak Djokovic faked injury but doesn't blame him and instead thinks Carlos Alcaraz probably fell into a trap.

Famous journalist reveals ‘confusing’ tactics used by Novak Djokovic during his injury-prone Australian Open quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic (Images via ATP/X)

Novak Djokovic started to limp and held his left thigh during the first set of his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open. He took a medical timeout, came back, and lost the set, but only for the last time.

The match, which lasted for over three hours, saw Djokovic coming out on top with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Many believe Djokovic just pretended that he was injured, that it was a part of his tactics and famous journalist Benoit Maylin is also of the same opinion.

No, but seriously Djokovic, what a sly, what a vicious guy, confusing your matches, and taking breaks when he’s two sets down.

Benoit Maylin told Sans Filet

Maylin thinks Djokovic plays on his physical failings and believes the 37-year-old doesn’t hide his sufferings that show weaknesses while playing.

Djokovic, for his part, does the opposite, he doesn’t hide anything, and it’s Machiavellianly intelligent. The opponent is automatically magnetized, he thinks, ‘The beast is injured, is he going to give up?’ The opponent is focusing on Novak instead of focusing on his game.

Benoit Maylin added

Maylin doesn’t blame Djokovic for faking injury and instead urged the opponents to not fall into the trap.

He fell into the trap, Djokovic got into his head. Does that make him a cheat? No. And even if some people find it unfair, Djokovic doesn’t care, it’s part of the game. It’s up to others not to have their brains nibbled, right Carlos?

Benoit Maylin added

Novak Djokovic to lock horns with Alexander Zverev next

After denying Carlos Alcaraz a chance to become the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic scheduled the semifinal match against Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev
Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev (Images via X)

Sascha had battled past 12th seed from America, Tommy Paul, in four sets in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinal at Melbourne Park for the third time. The German, who has reached two Major finals, at the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open, is still chasing his first Grand Slam title.

He met the 24-time Grand Slam champion 12 times but could win just four of those matches. Djokovic won their last encounter, in the semifinal of the 2023 Cincinnati Masters, in straight sets.

While Djokovic was outclassed by Jannik Sinner in last year’s Australian Open semifinals, Zverev failed to book the final spot in spite of winning the first two sets against Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals.