Australian Open: Djokovic firmly rejects bluff speculation
Serbian Novak Djokovic is facing allegations at the Australian Open that he is only faking his current thigh injury. The 21-time Grand Slam champion clearly rejects this.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Jan 24, 2023, 01:20 pm
After reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic clearly rejected speculation about a possible bluff with his thigh injury. "I leave the doubts to these people - let them doubt," said the title favorite in Melbourne to the Serbian media.
"Only my injuries are questioned. If other players are injured, then they are the victims. But if it's me, I'm faking it," Djokovic added. After defeating Australian Alex de Minaur in the round of 16 in three sets and without his much-discussed physical problems, he emphasized that he didn't have to prove anything. But he had medical documents.
"Extra strength and motivation"
"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," Djokovic said. Stubborn abdominal muscle problems had already accompanied him when he triumphed in 2021.
All the discussions about his injuries would give him "additional strength and motivation", said Djokovic, who will play against the Russian Andrej Rublev (9:30 a.m. / Eurosport) for the semi-finals on Wednesday: "So I thank them for that."
The men's tableau from Melbourne.
laver arena