Djokovic Criticizes Chaos Amid Swirling Rumors
Novak Djokovic has voiced frustration over swirling rumors regarding his fitness ahead of the Australian Open. Reports suggested he nearly withdrew from the tournament due to a neck injury after he cut a practice session short.
Djokovic Responds to Injury Rumors
On Sunday, Djokovic, a ten-time champion at the Australian Open, publicly addressed the speculation that arose after he was seen abandoning a training session after just 12 minutes. This followed his earlier withdrawal from the Adelaide International.
The 38-year-old athlete clarified that he had completed a private two-hour training session with fellow player Daniil Medvedev at Rod Laver Arena before transitioning to an outside court for a public practice. His limited time on the court drew attention, especially when he was observed receiving treatment from physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic.
Media Misinterpretations and Criticism
- Djokovic criticized media narratives surrounding his practice time.
- He highlighted the lack of context about his earlier training session.
- He expressed disappointment over the focus on perceived drama instead of positive stories about his career.
“I come here and see on the internet that the problem is Miljan came to massage my neck or that we trained for 12 minutes,” Djokovic stated. He emphasized that the reporting failed to capture the full scope of his training commitment.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
As the tournament progresses, Djokovic is set to face Spain’s Pedro Martinez in his next match on Rod Laver Arena. The Serbian star boasts an impressive 24 major titles, tied for the most all-time with Margaret Court. However, he continues to pursue his elusive 25th title, having last won a Grand Slam at the US Open in 2023.
Djokovic’s Confidence
Despite ongoing challenges, Djokovic remains optimistic. He acknowledged that if his health aligns and he can execute his game plan effectively, he believes he can compete with anyone.
“I like my chances always in any tournament, particularly here,” he concluded, showing resolve as he approaches the next stages of competition.
