Novak Djokovic takes swipe at John McEnroe’s comments of ‘fooling’ everyone with his injury battles at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic retired to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open 2025 semifinal due to a hamstring injury.
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After Carlos Alcaraz broke Novak Djokovic‘s serve in the ninth game of the first set of their Australian Open 2025 quarterfinal match, the Serbian took a brief medical timeout to address a groin injury. While Djokovic lost the first set that day, he won the next three sets, advancing to his 50th Grand Slam semifinal.
Regarding Djokovic’s injury that day, former World No. 1 John McEnroe mocked the same and claimed that the audience shouldn’t be fooled by it. He said it on air while sitting in ESPN’s booth. Several other journalists accused him of feigning injury as well, using this Machiavellian tactic to distract his opponent.
To be honest, I haven’t seen these comments, so I can’t say more. What I can say is that it’s always easier to judge and criticise than to understand. It’s a lesson I’ve learned in life.
Novak Djokovic on John McEnroe’s comments, via Tennis Majors
However, in the semifinals, Djokovic shockingly withdrew from the match against second-seeded Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring injury. Towards the end of the first set, which he lost, Djokovic approached Zverev and shook his hand. The 37-year-old waved to the crowd and gave them a double thumbs up, despite audible boos from the Rod Laver Arena.
Zverev displayed a great sense of compassion and sportsmanship, asking the crowd not to boo someone who has given so much to the sport for the past 20 years. In light of how recent events have unfolded, McEnroe’s comments seem to backfire, and the 10-time Australian Open champion responded to his remarks in a rather serious and composed manner.
Novak Djokovic’s future under a cloud
This shocking turn of events raises many questions, particularly about Novak Djokovic‘s retirement and the end of his partnership with Andy Murray. Having won no titles last season apart from the Olympic gold medal, Djokovic might probably retire from the sport soon with his record of 24 Grand Slams.
Djokovic had not practiced at Melbourne Park since the quarterfinal victory, canceling a planned session on Thursday before spending an hour warming up on the court shortly before the semi-final. He had also faced breathing issues during his fourth-round match against Holger Rune.
Djokovic also did not practice between matches during his 2023 Australian Open title run and later revealed he had a three-centimetre tear in his hamstring. He also won the 2021 title despite tearing an abdominal muscle in the third round.
On the other hand, his semifinal opponent, Alexander Zverev, will be advancing to his third Grand Slam final. He played his maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open 2020, where he lost to Dominic Thiem in five sets. His next Grand Slam final was at the French Open 2024, where he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz, again in five sets. At the Australian Open 2025 finals, Zverev will face Jannik Sinner, who is looking to defend his Australian Open title.
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Lakshya Chopra
(2603 Articles Published)