Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo)
Novak Djokovic needed a medical time out in the first set of his quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz, which has now come under the scanner with tennis legend John McEnroe questioning the legitimacy of the injury.
While he was trailing against Alcaraz in the first set of the Australian Open quarter-final, the world No.7 pulled up on his leg with a grimace on his face. he then briefly went indoors while flanked by his physio. When he returned, his upper thigh was strapped up.
Now, comments from analyst John McEnroe, who was doing commentary on Channel Nine, have surfaced where he seems to be questioning the Serbian’s injury.
The seven-time Major winner, while joined in the analysis booth by brother Patrick, implied that Djokovic’s injury wasn’t genuine.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled,” John McEnroe said.
Djokovic lost the first set 4-6 to the Spaniard, but then made a remarkable comeback to win the game 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
The win means that Djokovic is now in his 12th semifinal at Melbourne Park. He outlasted the Spanish star who is 16 years younger than him after a battle lasting 3 1/2 hours and went on to nearly 1 am.
Did Carlos Alcaraz mimic Djokovic?
There was a point in the game right after Alcaraz had lost the third set to Djokovic where he was seen grabbing his leg and hobbling around. At that phase, the McEnroe brothers were joined by former American tennis player James Blake.
The commentators at that point said: “He’s kind of limping around. Then he gets up and does it again. Limping around and sitting down. He’s obviously fine. Just acting like he’s got an injury.”
To this another commentator said: “He’s being Novak.”
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