Siberian Tennis star Novak Djokovic was recently accused of making up an injury in the just concluded Australian Open.
Speaking after his victory, a candid Djokovic was happy to shut down skeptics who accused him of telling porkies.
“It was a bit unfair at times but it’s neither the first nor the last time,” he said in his post-match press conference.
Earlier, Djokovic added: “I got injured in the third round. It was rollercoaster ride if I can define it in one word. I think it makes even sweeter for me.”
“I wanted to keep things quiet and clear for me in terms of talking about the injury or any other stuff. Just keeping it to tennis.”
“It’s a muscle tear. It was a muscle tear at that point. I don’t think I’ve experienced that kind of a snap that I had in the third round. I went to an MRI. The MRI has shown a tear. People questioned that. I understand they question my injury, question whether there is a tear. There is. I can get the doctors to confirm that.”
“For me it was a huge obstacle and challenge. I haven’t practiced in the days between the matches.
Out of 14 waking hours, Djokovic is believed to have spent 10 hours on the doctor’s table and doing everything he possibly could.
“I owe great gratitude to my doctor putting in a lot of hours and knowledge and know how. I guess we’re all different. I have maybe a great ability to heal. I don’t know,” added Djokovic.
“I just managed somehow with pills and painkillers and stuff.”
“It’s not healed up. I’m going to go and do another MRI tomorrow before I travel back. But I am definitely going to take some time off. I don’t know how long it will take.”
The Siberian won his 18th Grand Slam at this year’s Australian Open and is third only to Federer and Nadal in the all time list.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGhuJI-CHew