New Delhi: Tennis great Rafael Nadal’s coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, has joined others in questioning Novak Djokovic’s leg injury during the Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne. The 37-year-old Serbian’s walkover raised eyebrows and even prompted a section of the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena to boo him, as they seemed displeased after having paid hefty sums to witness a contest that lasted merely one set.
In his column for El Pais, Toni Nadal expressed his concern over Djokovic’s decision to retire without attempting to take a medical timeout during the match. He wrote, “Firstly, I understand that the public expressed their disappointment and anger at being deprived of the spectacle they had been anticipating after having paid for it. The second, and perhaps most significant reason, is that over the years, there has been a growing suspicion surrounding Novak due to his expressions or histrionics, casting doubt on the authenticity of his injuries.”
He added that a champion like the Serbian, who has contributed to the most sublime pages of tennis history, should not leave any court in this way, especially not the Rod Laver Arena, where he holds the record with 14 titles.
Rafael Nadal’s uncle, Toni, reflects on Novak Djokovic’s retirement against Sascha at the Australian Open! 👀#NovakDjokovic #AusOpen #Tennis pic.twitter.com/eqnCAy9OQF
— Sportskeeda Tennis (@SK__Tennis) January 28, 2025
Toni Nadal on fans and Djoko’s injury
In his column, he also admonished the jeering fans, reminding them of Djokovic’s achievements. He wrote, “Respect, this is a personal sentiment; he truly deserves it in that difficult moment, without a doubt, of having to leave the court that has seen him triumph so many times. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for him to accept such an adverse reaction from the public. If it is already difficult to accept that one cannot continue fighting, it must be much more challenging if this is accompanied by the public’s incomprehension.
Toni Nadal went on to provide insight into Djokovic’s long history of playing through injuries, marked by theatrical displays. He stated that over the years, a certain suspicion has been building around the 25 Grand Slam Champion due to his grimaces or histrionics, which raise doubts about the veracity of his injuries.
Nadal stated, “Suspicions began in his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz. After losing the first set, and with obvious gestures of pain, the Serbian made it clear to his opponent and the general public that he would hardly be able to continue his match. But the reality was he not only faced the rest of the match with total normality, but he even ended up winning it. Against Zverev, he played the entire first set with apparent normality and without visible signs of pain until he decided to abandon it just after the German won the first set.”
Djokovic’s response to injury doubts
Following the match, Novak Djokovic explained he was upset about his worsening hamstring tear and that he tried everything possible to manage the pain but could not bear it. Djokovic even shared an MRI of his injured hamstring on social media to address the “injury experts” about his condition.
Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury “experts” out there. pic.twitter.com/ZO5mBtw9zB
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 25, 2025
Earlier in 2023, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley revealed that the Serb had won his tenth title despite suffering from a 3cm hamstring tear. However, athletes and medical experts disputed his claims. This time, Novak sustained the injury during the quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz. He continued playing in the semi-final with a heavily taped leg, but as the contest progressed, the increasing pain made it impossible for him to continue.
While Toni Nadal’s scepticism echoes the doubts of many, Djokovic’s track record of playing through injuries cannot be ignored. Whether the Serbian’s withdrawal was a genuine necessity or a tactical decision will remain a topic of discussion but his legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history is undeniable.
Did Djokovic fake his injury at the Australian Open? Toni Nadal questions the legitimacy of the Serbian’s withdrawal, fueling further speculations. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
