Novak Djokovic has lashed at critics who questioned the legitimacy of his damage that led to his medical retirement from the Australian Open semifinal.
The 24-time main winner posted an MRI of his left hamstring with a not-so-subtle jab on the “specialists” who doubted the severity of his damage.
The chatter of Djokovic “faking” his damage stemmed from him taking a medical timeout early in his quarterfinal win in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz and nonetheless managing to win the match in 4 units.
Following his win, some analysts felt Djokovic oversold his injury to throw Alcaraz off rhythm and play thoughts video games with the Spaniard. Djokovic disputed the suggestion and stated he would have retired in opposition to Alcaraz, too, however felt higher when “the medicine began to kick in” after a medical timeout.
Even elements of the Melbourne crowd questioned Djokovic’s damage as they booed him off the court after his retirement in opposition to Alexander Zverev. In response to the booing, a shocked Djokovic held again in opposition to talking ailing in opposition to a fan base he had entertained for over twenty years.
“I’m doing my finest to know them, however I’m not positive whether or not they perceive me or in the event that they even need to perceive me,” he stated of the gang booing him, via The Tennis Letter. “…I understand how my physique works, what I really feel, and I understand how a lot I’ve given to this event prior to now 20-plus years. I’ll cease right here, in order that I do not proceed (talking) within the mistaken course.”
Djokovic’s newest damage setback is probably one other signal of Father Time catching as much as the 37-year-old icon. The Serb equally retired from final yr’s French Open quarterfinal with a knee challenge and skipped the year-ending ATP Finals to recuperate from lingering accidents.
