Novak Djokovic reveals new details about his injury and says he needs time off

A day after winning his ninth Australian Open crown, Novak Djokovic enjoyed a relaxed walk at Melbourne's Brighton Beach, carrying his beloved trophy with him.

Novak won the 18th Major title on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena, defeating Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 after a rock-solid performance on both serve and return, especially in sets two and three. Never losing a match after the quarter-final round in Melbourne, Novak was the favorite against Daniil and he proved that on the court, controlling the pace to reign supreme and reduce the deficit to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the GOAT race.

Since the third round, Novak had to deal with an abdominal injury, passing Taylor Fritz in five sets and enduring tough challenges against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev to find himself in the semis. Playing with less pain in the last two rounds, Novak ousted Aslan Karatsev and Daniil Medvedev to go all the way and extend his Melbourne reign.

Speaking about his injury, Novak said that he took another MRI that showed a 2,5 cm tear. Djokovic will take a couple of weeks off to heal and return at 100%, fulfilling his goals at the beginning of the season and focusing at Majors in the rest of the year and his career in general.

"It's bigger than what it was when it happened when I did the first MRI after the third round. It's not too bad, judging by what the doctors said, but I will have to take some time off to heal. The tear is bigger. It's 2,5 cm, and it started at 1,7 cm. They will always question anything I say or anything I do, and that's fine; I just accept the fact that I can't please everyone.

Does it frustrate me? Of course. I have feelings like anybody else. I don't enjoy it when someone judges or criticizes me. At the same time, I accept the fact that everyone is entitled to their opinion," Novak Djokovic said.