Novak Djokovic responds to allegations of faking hamstring injury
Novak Djokovic has responded to allegations that he is faking a hamstring injury at the Australian Open.
"I leave the doubting to those people -- let them doubt," Djokovic said, per ESPN. "Only my injuries are questioned. 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."
The Serbian defeated Enzo Couacaud in the second round of the tournament last week, but it was reported that he picked up the injury along the way. On Monday, Djokovic defeated Alex De Minaur in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals, where he'll face Andrey Rublev on Wednesday.
"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," Djokovic said, regarding the hamstring ailment. "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, narrative that is different compared to other players that have been going through similar situations."
The nine-time Aussie Open victor added that he's used to the perceived mistreatment from the media, and it gives him "extra strength and motivation."
Djokovic was deported the day before the 2022 Australian Open after he arrived in Melbourne without being vaccinated against COVID-19. Those restrictions have since been lifted.
Djokovic is the No. 5 men's player in the world and is ranked fourth at the 2023 event. Prior to being ineligible for last year's tournament, the 35-year-old had won three straight Australian Opens in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Djokovic also captured the crown "down under" in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. His nine titles are the most for any men's tennis player at the major, and his 21 overall grand slam singles titles put him just one behind Rafael Nadal for the most in men's tennis history.
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