The Serb has been battling a hamstring criticism all through the Australian Open
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has fired again at critics who accused him of faking a hamstring damage on the Australian Open, saying it solely offers him extra motivation to say a tenth title Down Beneath.
Djokovic, 35, will play Russia’s Andrey Rublev in a Wednesday quarter-final match within the Rod Laver Area as he hunts a tenth Australian Open crown and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam win.
Nonetheless, his run by way of the match has come amid fixed studies of a hamstring damage to his left leg, which prompted damage timeouts in his second- and third-round matches.
Nonetheless, Djokovic has proceeded by way of the occasion with relative ease thus far – and regarded in spectacular type in Monday’s fourth-round conflict with Alex De Minaur, dropping simply 5 video games in an emphatic three-set win.
However his run by way of the match has come amid whispers that Djokovic has been overplaying the extent of the damage – an accusation which he says would solely be utilized to him.
“I go away the doubting to these folks – allow them to doubt,” he stated.
“Solely my accidents are questioned. When another gamers are injured, then they’re the victims, however when it’s me, I’m faking it. It is rather fascinating. I don’t really feel that I must show something to anybody.
“I’ve bought the MRI, ultrasound and all the pieces else, each from two years in the past and now. Whether or not I’ll publish that in my documentary or on social media relies on how I really feel. Possibly I’ll do it, perhaps I gained’t.
“I’m not actually at this level what individuals are considering and saying. It’s enjoyable, it’s fascinating to see how the narrative surrounding me continues, [a] narrative that’s completely different in comparison with different gamers which have been going by way of comparable conditions.
“However I’m used to it and it simply offers me further power and motivation. So I thank them for that.”
Djokovic has overcome damage in high-profile tournaments up to now. He battled an belly criticism two years in the past in Australia to ultimately declare the title, and gave the impression to be in problem attributable to one other damage towards Andy Murray in the identical occasion in 2015, solely to get well and win.
Nonetheless, damage knocked him out of Wimbledon in 2017 and the US Open two years later.
I hate how media will all the time create controversy and takes issues out of context to make a headline. Bought outplayed and outclassed yesterday. How about we deal with the tennis for as soon as. I’ll get again to work and enhance you possibly can depend on that. Thanks Australia ❤️
— alex de minaur (@alexdeminaur) January 24, 2023
Alex De Minaur, the person defeated by Djokovic on Monday, additionally waded into the row on social media, saying he bought “outplayed and outclassed” however bemoaned that Djokovic’s notoriety usually focuses a media glare on outside-of-the-court allegations.
“I hate how media will all the time create controversy and takes issues out of context to make a headline,” he wrote on social media.
“Bought outplayed and outclassed yesterday. How about we deal with the tennis for as soon as. I’ll get again to work and enhance. You may depend on that. Thanks Australia.”