“Got the MRI, the ultrasound”
Novak Djokovic rages against bluffing allegations
01/24/2023 12:09 p.m
On his way to the 22nd Grand Slam title of his career, Novak Djokovic’s biggest opponent appears to be his thigh. Even if not everyone wants to believe him. His critics accuse him of a big bluff. The Serb answers them angrily.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic has complained to the Serbian media about unequal treatment and that his thigh injury is sometimes called into question. “If some other players are injured, then they are the victims, but if it’s me, I fake it. It’s very interesting,” the platform “tennismajors.com” quoted the 35-year-old as saying. These statements were said to have been made in conversation with Serbian journalists after Djokovic’s round of 16 victory at the Australian Open against local hero Alex de Minaur.
However, Djokovic also emphasized that he did not feel that he “had to prove anything to anyone”. Still, he is considering publishing evidence: “I have the MRI, the ultrasound and a lot more – both from two years ago and now. Whether I will publish that in my documentary or on social media depends on whether I feel like it is,” he said.
“Between heaven and hell,” says ex-coach Boris Becker
Actually, he “wouldn’t care” about what other people say about his injury. He “got used to it”, it even gave him “extra strength and motivation”, claimed the 21-time Grand Slam tournament winner, “so I thank them for that”.
Djokovic meets Russian Andrei Rublev in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, also known as “Happy Slam”. Djokovic had requested a few breaks in treatment in the first laps and repeatedly grabbed his thigh with a pained face and also hobbled after rallies. In the game itself, however, the injury was hardly noticeable.
“What always bothers me a bit: He runs straight to the ball and then he hobbles – as if he wants to demonstrate: Hey guys, I’ve got something there. That annoys me a bit,” national coach Barbara Rittner criticized at Eurosport. His ex-coach Boris Becker explained that Djokovic’s behavior was “difficult” for the opponents. “Sometimes you get the impression that he’s bluffing. Sometimes you get the impression that he can’t finish the match,” said the Eurosport expert: “It’s kind of between heaven and hell.”