Novak Djokovic to show evidence of his Australian Open injury in press conference in Belgrade: Reports
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has requested a press conference in Belgrade to present the details of the thigh injury that caused so much controversy during the 2023 Australian Open.
At the start of the 2023 season, the Serbian suffered a thigh injury during the Adelaide International. Up against Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, the 35-year-old had an injury scare as he needed a medical timeout to cater to the needs of his hamstring injury. However, he went on to win the match and eventually the title by beating Sebastian Korda in the final.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner suffered a fresh scare just ahead of the Australian Open. While playing a practice match against Medvedev, the Serb was forced to retire mid-match following a recurring hamstring injury.
Despite speculation of him missing out on his Melbourne return, Djokovic played through injury as he cruised his way through the finals. In the summit clash, he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. Djokovic's Australian Open campaign, however, was meddled with severe criticisms questioning the veracity of his injury.
According to Marca, the Serbian maestro has called for a press conference in Belgrade at 1 PM local time tomorrow (February 22).
During the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic addressed the criticisms faced by him regarding his injury.
"I leave the doubting to those people – let them doubt,” he said. “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."
He further spoke about how he always keeps all his medical records with him. He then hinted at presenting the records at some point in the future.
“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 the social media, depends on how I feel," he said. "Maybe I will do it, maybe I won’t."
Novak Djokovic equals Steffi Graff's record
Following his Australian Open win, Djokovic regained the No. 1 spot in the ATP singles rankings. By the end of this week, the veteran will complete 377 weeks at the top of the singles rankings, a record that was earlier held by Steffi Graff.
The 22-time Slam winner first attained the top rank in 2011.