Tennis news) 2023 Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic won his first Grand Slam of the ongoing season with a three-centimetre (1.2 inches) tear in his hamstring, said tournament director Craig Tiley. The Serbian suffered the injury during a warm-up match in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open and was seen in discomfort during his second-round clash against Frenchman Enzo Couacaud. 

His victory in Melbourne meant that Djokovic is now level with Nadal with 22 Grand Slam titles. Interestingly, Djokovic had hit back at critics who accused him of “faking” his hamstring injury and said that it motivated him to win the title.

“This guy I did see, he had a three-centimetre tear in his hammy. Absolutely (I saw the scans), the doctors are going to tell you the truth. There was a lot of speculation about whether it was true or not, it’s hard to believe that they can do what they do with those kinds of injuries. He’s remarkable, to deal with it extremely professionally. He’s so focused on everything he does, with every single minute of the day. 

“That’s what he eats, what he drinks, when he does it, how he does it. There’s no breakdown or mental breakdown in anything that he does. He’s been through a lot and to win 10 Australian Opens, I don’t think that’s ever going to be repeated. He’ll hold a significant place in the history of the Australian Open” – Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley

Speaking to Serbian media, Djokovic said: “I leave the doubting to those people – let them doubt. Only my injuries are questioned. When some other players are injured, then they are the victims, but when it is me, I am faking it. It is very interesting. I don’t feel that I need to prove anything to anyone. I have got the MRI, ultrasound and everything else, both from two years ago and now. Whether I will publish that in my documentary or on social media depends on how I feel. 

“Maybe I will do it, maybe I won’t. I am not really interested at this point in what people are thinking and saying. It is fun, it is interesting to see how the narrative surrounding me continues, a narrative that is different compared to other players that have been going through similar situations. But I am used to it and it just gives me extra strength and motivation. So I thank them for that.”

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