'Don't Be Fooled': Djokovic's Physical Issues Against Alcaraz Doubted By McEnroe
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John McEnroe caused controversy during Novak Djokovic's Australian Open quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz by saying the tennis legend recovering from physical issues was a "routine" that has been seen before.
Djokovic and Alcaraz's contest was one of the highest-quality quarterfinal battles ever seen at the Australian Open. The two share one of the best rivalries in tennis right now and produced another memorable match for fans.
After four intense sets featuring several outstanding rallies, Djokovic prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 after staying more consistent throughout the match. He set up a semifinal against Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz and Djokovic's quarterfinal was also notable for Djokovic's physical struggles. The Serbian took a medical timeout at 4-5 down in the opening set, and his movement was limited for several games afterward.
Despite not moving as he usually does, Djokovic still won the second set after playing more aggressively. The 37-year-old then began moving perfectly again in the final two sets of the contest.
McEnroe, who caused controversy with an interview he gave to Jannik Sinner earlier in the tournament, has watched dozens of Djokovic's matches as a commentator over the years. He gave a blunt view of his medical timeout and physical issues.
While commentating on ESPN, McEnroe claimed it is a routine the tennis legend has done many times before and that fans should not be fooled by the antics.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled."
McEnroe was commentating alongside his brother Patrick, who asked him directly whether Djokovic's actions were ones he expected. John could not have been clearer with the response he gave.
Patrick: “Did you see this coming!?”John: "Yes."
Those words from McEnroe might enrage Djokovic. The ten-time Australian Open champion has previously claimed that only his injury issues get questioned, and other players get a free pass by comparison.
McEnroe's explicit assertion that Djokovic was trying to fool Alcaraz and the crowd into thinking he was injured is a direct accusation that might lead to a reaction based on his actions so far in Melbourne.
Djokovic boycotted an on-court interview with Channel 9 after his fourth-round victory against Jiri Lehecka because he did not receive an apology from the broadcaster's reporter Tony Jones, who he felt had insulted him and the Serbian fans.
Jones, who mocked Djokovic's 2022 deportation from Australia in the incident that angered Djokovic, publicly apologized for the incident. That was acknowledged by Djokovic, who spoke to Channel 9 after beating Alcaraz.
Alcaraz avoided starting a war of words that might have annoyed Djokovic like Jones did, and McEnroe possibly has as well. He refused to accuse Djokovic of exaggerating the injury while speaking honestly about it in a press conference.
It remains to be seen whether Djokovic responds to McEnroe's accusation. However, the former ATP world No. 1's willingness to stand up for himself in the incident with Jones and throughout his career means it would be surprising if he did not.
