Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic accused of faking injury against Carlos Alcaraz

Is Novak Djokovic really injured?

This question was often raised during the Serbian champion’s prestigious career on the tennis courts.

Particularly at Melbourne Park, where he has won the Australian Open ten times and is currently seeking an eleventh title.

ALSO READ: Djokovic knocks out Alcaraz in ‘one of his biggest wins’

ALSO READ: Sabalenka avoids misstep in tense three-set duel

ALSO READ: ‘The service isn’t great’: A rival reminds Demon of reality

And guess what? Fans are once again questioning the 37-year-old’s fitness as he prepares for a semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic lost the first set of his quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday night, in a match billed as an intergenerational clash.

The veteran appeared to complain of pain towards the end of the set, before requesting a break to receive treatment.

Alcaraz started to weaken at the start of the second set and then Djokovic largely dominated the match to win in four sets.

It was during the fourth set that observers and commentators noticed that Alcaraz was holding his thigh and moving with difficulty while Djokovic was resting at a change of ends.

Watch the Australian Open Live & Free on 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with center court in 4K.

The young Spaniard was accused of mocking his opponent, a reaction which showed his frustration with Djokovic’s injury simulations.

“You can see the frustration, he’s limping a little bit… and he gets up to do that again,” commented James Blake, a former great American player.

“He’s obviously in good shape, he’s just faking having an injury.”

John McEnroe, another great figure in American tennis, added: “That’s what I would do… If I played against Djokovic, I would be in the same state of mind.”

Djokovic then claimed he would have abandoned the match if he had lost the second set.

Although he refused to give details of his injury during the post-match press conference, Djokovic acknowledged that his medical break had taken advantage of disorienting Alcaraz in his game.

“Look, I saw it. I try to turn it to my advantage, to take the initiative in the rallies and his reluctance,” Djokovic said.

“He was trying to do a lot of drop shots and make me run. I’ve also been in situations where an opponent is struggling with an injury, but continues to play. The opponent tries to give everything, and then he stays in the match. Then suddenly, as the match progresses, the opponent feels better. This can cause some panic in your game.

UPDATED LIVE: Australian Open 2025, results and highlights from day 11

“I understand this feeling.

“Look, I sympathize with him. I understand that it’s not comfortable to play against someone who you don’t know if he’s going to give up or not. Is it moving? Is he running? What is happening?

“I felt like he was looking at me more than he was caring about himself.”

The same was said of Tomas Machac when Djokovic fell ill during their third round match, before winning in straight sets.

Alcaraz expressed his displeasure during his press conference, admitting that he was distracted by Djokovic’s situation during the match.

“Honestly, I felt like I was in control of the game, and I allowed him to come back into the game. I have to say that was the biggest mistake I made today,” said Alcaraz.

“I think everyone saw in the second set that he was having a little trouble moving around. Then in the third and fourth sets, I didn’t see him in difficulty.”

“I’m not saying he did theater. I’m just saying, I don’t know. It’s obvious and everyone saw that he was having difficulty in the second set. Then in the third and fourth set, he showed that he was really good.”

Djokovic will now face German star Zverev for a place in the tournament final.