Novak Djokovic needed time out for treatment in the first set of his quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz, now under the scanner with tennis legend John McEnroe questioning the legitimacy of the injury.
While trailing against Alcaraz in the first set of the Australian Open quarter-final, the world number 7 rose to his feet with a look of anger on his face. then he went into the house for a while with his physio. When he returned, his upper thigh was tied.
Now, the comments of analyst John McEnroe, who was analyzing on Channel Nine, where he seemed to doubt the injury of the Serbian player.
The seven-time champion, while joined by his brother Patrick in the analysis, revealed that Djokovic’s injury was not real.
“This is not the first time we have seen this trend. Don’t be fooled,” said John McEnroe.
Djokovic lost the first set 4-6 to the Spaniard, but then made a stunning comeback to win the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
The victory means Djokovic is in his 12th semi-final at Melbourne Park. He passed the younger Spanish star by 16 years after a battle that lasted 3 1/2 hours and continued until almost 1 am.
Did Carlos Alcaraz imitate Djokovic?
There was a point in the match after Alcaraz lost the third set to Djokovic when he appeared to be clutching his leg while spinning. At that stage, the McEnroe brothers were joined by former American tennis player James Blake.
Analysts at the time said: “He is limping. Then he gets up and does it again. He limped and sat down. You are obviously fine. He pretends to be hurt.”
This time one commentator said: “He’s Novak.”
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