"This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine" – John McEnroe questions Novak Djokovic’s injury as Serbian defeats Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic can add another impressive win to his resume after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final of the Australian Open. The Serbian beat the Spaniard in a four-set battle, where Djokovic produced a top-notch display to book his place in the semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

During the contest, the 10-time Australian Open champion was uncomfortable and had to take a medical timeout during the hard-fought match. Whilst commentating for ESPN, John McEnroe expressed scepticism about the severity of Djokovic's injury, which the number seven seed strongly responded to.

"Well, since I'm still in the tournament, I don't want to reveal too much, obviously." the 24-time major champion winner told Jim Courier in his on-court interview.

Djokovic is through

Djokovic's resilience shone through as he overcame a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over the third-seeded Alcaraz. The player from Serbia bounced back after dropping the first set to set up their 50th grand slam semi-final appearance, extending his record.

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It wasn't easy for the former world number one, as he called for a medical timeout during the first set. After getting his left thigh strapped, he stormed to victory.

After the contest, he revealed he took two doses of medication to deal with the pain, a testament to his unwavering determination.

"Yeah, the medication started to kick in, and they undoubtedly helped. I had to take another dose. I mean, this sounds awful (laughs). I am taking another dose, but I had to."

"I didn't know, to be honest, if I lost that second set, I don't know if I would continue playing, but I felt better and better. Managed to play a great couple of games to end up in the second set."

"And then I saw that Carlos was hesitant a little bit from the back of the court, and I took my chances, started to feel better, began to move better. It didn't create any hindrance towards the end of the match, only in that second set."

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"When the medications start to release, I'll see what the reality is tomorrow morning. But right now, I will try to be in the moment and enjoy this victory."

John McEnroe is sceptic

John McEnroe 

Djokovic's use of the medical timeout has been criticized in the past. On ESPN, McEnroe wasn't too sure about the legend's injury.

"This isn't the first time we've seen this routine. Don't be fooled."

Djokovic's response in the past

If we rewind to 2023, similar accusations were made against Djokovic, to which he responded by telling Serbian media.

"I leave the doubting to those people – let them doubt." the tennis great told Serbian media.

"Only my injuries are questioned. When other players are injured, they are the victims, but I am faking it when it is me. It is very interesting. I don't need to prove anything to anyone."

"I have the MRI, ultrasound and everything else from two years ago and now. Whether I publish that in my documentary or social media depends on how I feel. Maybe I will do it; perhaps I won't."

"I am not interested at this point what people are thinking and saying. It is fun; it is interesting to see how the narrative surrounding me continues, which is different from other players who have been going through similar situations. But I am used to it, which gives me extra strength and motivation. So I thank them for that."

After the match, Djokovic didn't give too much away about the injury but said it was similar to 2023.

"I'm not going to go into details, but it's very similar to what I had a few years ago. 2023, to be exact. I haven't done any tests." he explained in his press conference.

"I mean, I've done tests with the physio when they took me off the court when I had the medical timeout. He strapped me, and then the doctor gave me some medication, and so forth, some painkillers. That kicked in after 20, 30 minutes. It did help. Then, I had to take another dose at the beginning of the fourth."

"Yeah, now that it's cooling off, I feel different things. Let's see how it goes tomorrow and day by day."

"Now it's really about recovery. I'm concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But if I somehow manage to be physically good enough, mentally and emotionally, I'm as motivated as possible."

Djokovic is a sensational talent

Djokovic is a sensational talent and one of the best players in the game. It'll be interesting to see whether he can lift the Australian Open title for the 11th time.

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