Toni Nadal makes ‘growing suspicions’ comment about Novak Djokovic’s injuries

Toni Nadal has asserted that there has been “a growing suspicion” around Novak Djokovic’s injuries over the years following the row over Serbian’s physical state at the 2025 Australian Open.
Djokovic was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury after losing the first set of his semi-final match with Alexander Zverev at Melbourne Park.
The 37-year-old Serbian sustained the injury early quarter-final blockbuster against Carlos Alcaraz, but he remarkably fought through it and came from a set down to prevail in four sets.
Despite Djokovic grimacing with discomfort as his movement looked hampered late in the opening set and for much of the second set, some doubted his injury.
Tennis icon John McEnroe controversially said: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled.”
Djokovic has since hit back at those who questioned his injury by sharing an image of an MRI scan confirming a hamstring tear in his left leg.
“Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury “experts” out there,” the 24-time major winner wrote on X.
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Djokovic has pulled out of Serbia’s upcoming Davis Cup tie with Denmark due to the injury, while his participation at the Qatar Open — his next scheduled tournament — is also uncertain.
In his column for El Pais, Toni Nadal — the uncle former coach of Rafael Nadal — shared his thoughts on Djokovic’s injury.
“On this occasion, suspicions began to arise in his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz,” the Spaniard wrote.
“After losing the first set and with obvious signs of pain, the Serbian made it clear to his opponent and the public in general that he would hardly be able to continue his match. But the reality was that, not only did he face the rest of the match with total normality, he even ended up winning it.
“In his semi-final match against Zverev, on the other hand, he played the entire first set with apparent normality and without visible signs of pain until he decided to abandon it just after the German scored.
“When a player faces physical problems in a match of this nature, he normally waits until the end to decide to retire. He calls the physiotherapist, plays some games weakened and, only when he sees the inevitable fate, he opts to retire.
“On more than one occasion, we have seen Novak with similar performances, with facial gestures and body language that contradict what we are seeing on the court and that sow certain doubts about the authenticity of his problems.
“Another issue to consider is why there was such an outburst in the stands once the events unfolded. First of all, I understand that the public showed their disappointment and anger at being deprived of the expected spectacle after purchasing a ticket for it.
“The second and perhaps most significant reason is that over the years, there has been a growing suspicion around Novak, due to his expressions or histrionics, casting doubt on the authenticity of his injuries.”
Despite raising such questions, Nadal went on to defend Djokovic from the booing he received as he left Rod Laver Arena after retiring against Zverev.
“I believe that a great champion like the Serbian, someone who has contributed to writing the most glorious pages of tennis history, should not depart in this manner from any court and even less so from the Rod Laver Arena, where he holds the records for victories and titles,” he continued.
“Respect, this is my personal feeling, he truly deserves in that difficult moment, without a doubt, of having to leave the court that has seen him triumph so many times.”
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