Novak Djokovic is furious over the ‘fake’ injury drama at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic lashed out angrily at those who question the legality of his hamstring complaint, during a fiery press conference at Melbourne Park on Monday night. The Serb brushed aside any injury concerns he might have in straight sets Demolition mission against Alex De Minor In the fourth round of Australian Open.
The Serb destroyed Australia’s last great hope in men’s singles with a clinical performance at Rod Laver Arena to move one step closer to a 10th Australian title and a 22nd crown that would equal the record of great rival Rafa Nadal. With his left thigh strapped again, the 35-year-old was a man on a mission, expending as little energy as possible in a grueling 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory that lasted more than two hours.
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Djokovic admitted earlier in the tournament that dealing with a hamstring injury was to come day in and day out and that it made him worry about his chances of winning a 10th Australian Open title. However, the 35-year-old admitted after the match against De Minaur that he had no hamstring issues and played his best game of the year against the Australian.
Ahead of Monday night’s match, Australian star Todd Woodbridge questioned the severity of Djokovic’s hamstring complaint and claimed the Serb had a history of “playing” with his injuries. Djokovic also revealed during his final appearance at the 2021 Australian Open that he competed with a torn abdominal muscle that was injured in the third round.
The 21-time major winner struggled from trouble on that occasion to lift his ninth title at Melbourne Park, with his recent injury drawing fresh scrutiny over just how serious it was for Djokovic. Speaking to Serbian media during his post-match press conference on Monday night, the 35-year-old angrily lashed out at such questions, after claiming the media were treating him differently from other players on the tour.
He said in Serbian: “I leave the doubt to these people – let them complain.” “Only my injuries are questioned. When some other players are injured, they’re the victims, but when it’s me, I’m faking it. It’s so much fun… I don’t feel like I need to prove anything to anyone.”
“I’ve had MRIs and ultrasounds and everything else, for two years now. Whether I’m going to post it in my documentation or on social media depends on how I feel. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.”
“I’m not really interested at this point in what people think and say.” It’s fun, interesting to see how the narrative around me continues, a different narrative compared to other players who’ve been through similar situations. But I’m used to it, and it gives me more strength and motivation. So I thank them for that.
Alex De Minor questions Novak Djokovic’s injury
Djokovic’s comments came after de Minaur admitted he tried not to read too much into the talk about Djokovic’s hamstring injury before the match. When asked about the problem after the match, the Australian said his opponent seemed to be moving very well on Monday night.
“I don’t know,” De Minaur replied to reporters. “I played him, I thought he was moving well, so… I don’t know.”
De Minaur admitted it was hard to ignore all the talk about Djokovic’s apparent physical struggles in the run-up to the match. “Look, I don’t know. I think everyone kind of sees what’s been going on for the last couple of weeks. It’s the one thing everyone’s been talking about,” he added.
“Today I was there in court against him. Either I’m not a good enough tennis player to debunk it, or… it just seemed right to me. He was very good in all aspects.”
And Djokovic said despite all the talk about his troublesome hamstring before the match, he “didn’t feel anything” out of the ordinary during the Australian’s successive strikes. Asked about his defeated opponent’s comments about his fitness issues, the Serb opened up a bit more about his hamstring after crediting his medical team for the work they did to get his body in the right shape.
“I thank my medical team, my physio. Thank God, someone really helped me,” he added.
“At the same time it’s essential. It’s essential to get myself in good shape to play. So I’m really happy because my body has responded really well. Tonight I didn’t feel any pain. I’ve moved on and I have the whole tournament. It means we’re moving in the right direction.” “.
with agencies
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