As it is written, Wednesday is Mailbag Day…..
Let’s start with a topic that has drawn a lot attention—in your communiques, in the press room, and inevitably on social media. Novak Djokovic has been outspoken about his hamstring injury entering the tournament. This has drawn praise. This has drawn criticism. This has drawn a response from Taylor Fritz that was fair and measured and insightful. The Melbourne Age headline “Insult to injury: Novak’s Niggle the Talk of the Town” says it all.
Two main thoughts here. Athletes are not above condemnation or judgement. But I’d read carefully on this topic. If an athlete denies an injury or downplays an injury, they stand accused of being disingenuous. If they address an injury, they stand accused of drama queenery. Apart from the damned-either-way aspect, injuries are personal, injuries are unpredictable and injuries are hard to diagnose.
