“Only my injuries are questioned,” Novak Djokovic hits back at critics over hamstring injury row at 2023 Australian Open
The Serbian slammed critics for questioning his injuries when they don't do that for any other player
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic hit back against critics and conspiracy theorists in the tennis world for doubting the seriousness of his hamstring injury, forcing him to play with strapping on the injured leg. Djokovic pointed out that no other player’s injuries get questioned in the same way as his and says he is used to the constant questioning at this point.
Djokovic was clear that the opinions of injury doubters don’t figure in his mind. “I leave the doubting to those people – let them doubt. Only my injuries are questioned. When some other players are injured, then they are the victims, but when it is me, I am faking it. It is very interesting… I don’t feel that I need to prove anything to anyone,” Djokovic said. The 35-year-old also said he has all the proof to silence the doubters.
He said he would consider putting the proof into his upcoming documentary if he feels like it. Djokovic says, “I have got the MRI, ultrasound and everything else, both from two years ago and now. Whether I will publish that in my documentary or on the social media, depends on how I feel. Maybe I will do I it, maybe I won’t.” He says it’s interesting to see a narrative build around him when things like this happen.
But he has learned to use that differential treatment as further motivation. “I am not really interested at this point what people are thinking and saying. It is fun, it is interesting to see how the narrative surrounding me continues,” he says. “Narrative that is different compared to other players that have been going through similar situation. But I am used to it, and it just gives me extra strength and motivation. So I thank them for that.”
Djokovic’s injury was even questioned by his fourth-round opponent at the Australian Open. Alex de Minaur said that he saw no sign of the injury as he lost to the 21-time Grand Slam champion. Djokovic did not respond to that but will not be too bothered after his performance during that match.
Novak Djokovic crushed Alex de Minaur in fourth round
Djokovic was unbelievable as he dominated Minaur during the fourth-round clash. The Serbian lost just five games across three sets during the win. He had a brilliant streak where he won nine games in a row.
Djokovic took off in the first set at 2-2 to win the next four games without reply. His strategy was clearly to finish the game as soon as possible. This was to give his hamstring less strain to handle and longer to recover. He executed the plan to perfection. Winding up the first set in 39 minutes, Djokovic made a roaring start to the second set too. He was leading 5-0 before Minaur clawed back a game. But he was no match for Djokovic, who finished things off 6-1.
It was much the same in the last set, where Djokovic again went ahead 4-0. Minaur, buoyed by the crowd, won two games to give Djokovic a little scare. But the veteran handled it brilliantly and finished the match in just over two hours. He will now face Andrey Rublev in the next round.
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)