Novak Djokovic has fired back at those who have been doubting if his injury concerns are genuine.
The Serbian star has been dealing with a troublesome hamstring since before the Australian Open got underway with concerns intensifying after he cancelled a practice session on the eve of the tournament. Those worries increased further when he then took medical timeouts in his second and third-round matches.
But he moved with apparent freedom throughout his imperious win over home favourite Alex de Minaur on Monday, sealing an emphatic 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. Following the match critics started to doubt the extent and legitimacy of his injuries, including his opponent De Minaur who raised his own suspicions.
"I don't know. You tell me how you thought he looked out there," the 23-year-old Aussie said. "Playing him, I thought he was moving pretty well, so I don't know. Today I was out there on court against him. Either I'm not a good enough tennis player to expose that, or it looked good to me. He was just too good in all aspects."
But Djokovic has now hit back at the doubters who have been questioning his injuries. Speaking to Serbian media, as reported by tennismajors.com, the 35-year-old said: “I leave the doubting to those people – let them doubt.”
The fourth seed also claimed he is treated differently from other players when he is suffering from an injury. “Only my injuries are questioned,” Djokovic added. “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. 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 social media depends on how I feel.
“Maybe I will do it, maybe I won’t. 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, a narrative that is different compared to other players that have been going through similar situations. But I am used to it and it just gives me extra strength and motivation. So I thank them for that.”
Following his fourth round win, some big questions relating to the Serbian’s 2023 Australian Open title bid were answered - not just for those watching on, as he dismantled De Minaur in his home nation, but also for the nine-time champion himself.
“A week ago I didn't really think about the title, I just thought about being in a good enough condition to play the next match,” acknowledged Djokovic after winning his last 16 tie in two hours and six minutes. "Until tonight. Tonight, the way I played, the way I felt, gives me reason now to believe that I can go all the way.”
Djokovic, who will return to No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings should he lift the trophy in Melbourne, was reluctant to get too carried away with his display but acknowledged it as his best of a 2023 season in which he now holds a 9-0 record.
“I don't know [if it was the best] ever, but definitely the best tennis I've played this year, this tournament, so far this season,” said Djokovic. “[The] best match. I'm really glad because obviously as the tournament progresses, the matches are going to get tougher. I'm really glad to manage to win the way I did tonight.”
The 21-time Grand Slam champion’s quest for a 10th title at the Australian Open will continue tomorrow with a clash against Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals.
