Novak Djokovic acknowledged his 2023 Australian Open was full of adversity and noted he is well aware that there are still people doubting his hamstring injury. Djokovic, 35, suffered a hamstring injury at the Adelaide International and his left leg was heavily strapped at the Australian Open.
Djokovic, who was evidently not at his best at the start of the Australian Open, elected not to practice on his off days in Melbourne – instead, he opted to do the work with his physio. The method Djokovic used paid off as his hamstring looked better in the second week of the Australian Open and he was able to win the title.
But then Djokovic started hearing people accusing him that he faked an injury.
Djokovic: I know there is a big shadow of doubt on my injury
“It was challenging. I know there is a big shadow of a doubt whether I had an injury or not.
There are a lot of people questioning that. But, I was definitely injured, and I know what I was going through and my team members. Obviously that makes the victory in Melbourne even greater, you know. Because I had to face adversities.
I haven’t practiced one single day between matches. I just warmed up for the matches and played. Luckily I was having a great preparation prior to coming to Australian Open and plenty of tennis so I was allowed to have the luxury of not practicing in the days with no matches and trying to use every moment to recover and to get my leg in a better shape.
Right now, I have not felt pain for the last week or so. So I feel good on the court. (I’m) still building. Still getting to 100%, I’m still not there. But it’s a process and I’m looking forward to what’s coming up,” Djokovic told Tennis TV, as quoted on Sportskeeda. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s hamstring is healed and he is playing this week in Dubai.
