Novak Djokovic has left tennis fans divided after picking up an injury at the recent Australian Open.
The world No. 6 took an off-court medical timeout during his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz and went on to win. But he retired after losing the first set in the semis.
Djokovic later took to social media to slam “experts” who accused him of faking his injury. But the 24-time Major winner hasn’t been able to convince everyone, as some are still doubtful.
Djokovic raised concerns when he left the court to receive treatment during the first set of his match against Alcaraz. He returned with heavy strapping on his thigh and quickly lost the opening set.
The 37-year-old continued to wince and grimace during set two, but John McEnroe was among those who weren’t convinced, raising a conspiracy that Djokovic faked or exaggerated his injuries.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled,” the American said. Djokovic won the match in four sets but suggested he would’ve retired if he went two sets down and admitted he was “concerned” ahead of his next match.
Even Alcaraz questioned his claims. “A tennis player who thinks about retiring doesn’t play the third and fourth sets the way he did,” he later said.
