Novak Djokovic blasts injury 'professionals' with image of MRI scan days after being booed for walkover at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic's campaign at the 2025 Australian Open got here to an abrupt, and a rather heartbreaking stop as the 24-time Grand Slam champion became forced to retire midway through his semifinal conflict towards Alexander Zverev. The Serb, who suffered a muscle tear for the duration of the primary-set tiebreaker, couldn't maintain, leaving enthusiasts at Rod Laver arena disappointed.
but, what followed became sudden: Djokovic became met with boos from the group as he exited the court docket, a reaction that sparked debate inside the tennis global.
inside the face of criticism, Djokovic silenced his detractors with a powerful response. Taking to his legit X (formerly Twitter) account, the tennis icon shared a picture of his MRI experiment, genuinely showing the extent of the muscle tear. alongside the image, he wrote, "thought i would leave this right here for all the sports damage 'experts' available."
at the same time as many puzzled the seriousness of Djokovic's harm, tennis legend john McEnroe joined the chorus of skeptics. regarding Djokovic's records, McEnroe, at some point of the quarter-final in shape between Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, had commented, "This isn't always the first time we've visible this routine. don't be fooled."
Djokovic, but, had maintained his composure while asked approximately McEnroe's remarks. "To be sincere, i have never seen these remarks so I can't say more," Djokovic said. "What i'm able to say is that it is continually less complicated to judge and criticise than to apprehend. it is a lesson i've learned in existence."
McEnroe did, but, issued a strong assist for Djokovic after he became booed following the walkover. "They can not probable be booing him. Please!" he had said on Channel nine. "he is won this 10 times, for god's sakes. Unreal."
Alexander Zverev, Djokovic's opponent, also condemned the gang's reaction, urging lovers to show extra recognize for gamers battling injuries.
"Please, men, don't boo a player while he goes out with damage. I understand that everyone paid for tickets and everybody wants to see, with any luck, a wonderful 5-set in shape and everything, however you purchased to understand: Novak Djokovic is someone that has given the sport for the past 20 years truly the whole thing of his life," Zverev had stated.
For Djokovic, the dream of securing a twenty fifth Grand Slam name remains unfulfilled for now. At 37, the clock is ticking on his illustrious profession, but the Serb stays determined to bounce back in future tournaments.
in the meantime, Zverev will goal for his maiden Grand Slam name as he faces Jannik Sinner inside the very last.
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