Novak Djokovic takes indirect dig at John McEnroe as he reveals ‘legends’ questioning his ‘integrity’ provoked him to share MRI scan results

Novak Djokovic wouldn't have shared his MRI scan result if some legends hadn't accused him of faking his injury.

Novak Djokovic takes indirect dig at John McEnroe as he reveals ‘legends’ questioning his ‘integrity’ provoked him to share MRI scan results

Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe (Images via ATP/X)

Novak Djokovic is in Doha to play his first match since his semifinal of the 2025 Australian Open. Ahead of the tournament, Djokovic disclosed what prompted him to share the result of his MRI scan.

Djokovic had to deal with a hamstring injury which eventually forced him to withdraw from his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open. In the quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz as well, he showed signs of discomfort and even took a medical timeout in the first set.

YouTube video

John McEnroe was sitting behind the microphone, and when the pain made Djokovic flinch, these are the words the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion said: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled.” McEnroe implied that Djokovic was just playing mind games to confuse the 21-year-old.

Djokovic moved into the semifinal with a four-set victory over the Spaniard but retired mid-match in the semifinal after losing the first set against Zverev. Later on social media, he shared a picture of his MRI scan to slam the ‘injury experts’. And ahead of his first-round match at the Qatar Open, Djokovic, without mentioning McEnroe, said legends accusing him of faking his injury forced him to react in such a manner.

And I would not have reacted if some legends of our sport had not reacted. I think that when some things remain on social media, that’s fine, but when it escalates to the point where people have a dilemma and simply question my integrity and the credibility of what I said.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Novak Djokovic reveals tournaments he will play after Qatar Open

After Novak Djokovic‘s hamstring injury, there was a question mark over whether he would be playing in the Qatar Open. Initial reports claimed that he would be out for a couple of months.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via Instagram)

Djokovic, however, made a quick recovery, and in an interview with Serbian media outlet Vijesti, he said he would be following his schedule. He once again reiterated that he will be bidding for the Sunshine Double after the ATP 500 event in Doha.

After Doha, I’m going to America, when it comes to the tournament schedule. That’s what I announced earlier, Doha, Indian Wells, and Miami.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Last year, after suffering a second-round exit at the Indian Wells, the 37-year-old skipped the Miami Open. In Doha, Djokovic will be kick-starting his campaign against Matteo Berrettini on Monday (February 17). The 24-time Grand Slam champion holds a 4-0 head-to-head record over the Italian former World No.6, and they will be meeting for the first time outside of the Grand Slam and ATP Finals event.