Novak Djokovic row breaks out as Serb faces accusations over Wimbledon 'injury'

Novak Djokovic has once again found himself at the centre of controversy after being accused of faking injury concerns to "create drama" at Wimbledon. The Serbian star, set to take on Alex de Minaur in the fourth round on Monday, was spotted with a knee support during a weekend training session, igniting fresh speculation about his physical condition.

Last month, Djokovic said he competed with an injury at the French Open, and concerns resurfaced when he called for medical attention during his opening-round win at Wimbledon against Alexandre Muller. He hasn't specifically said he is nursing an injury, and some suspect that wearing a knee brace during a practice session was a deliberate ploy by Djokovic to throw off his rivals.

A number of social media users have voiced doubt about the legitimacy of what seems to be his latest injury issue, implying the 24-time Grand Slam winner might be exaggerating - or entirely fabricating - the issue to ease pressure or lower expectations. "Novak is again trying to confuse everyone with his 'injury,'" one person posted. "It's becoming a routine for him to create drama out of nothing."

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Some, however, defended Djokovic, insisting that 'he's 38' and 'should be allowed to wear a knee brace', especially given his history with injuries. But these are accusations the Serb has faced many times before over the course of his career.

Earlier this year, tennis great John McEnroe accused Djokovic of faking an ailment after the Serbian appeared to hobble during his Australian Open quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz. "This isn't the first time we've seen this routine," McEnroe said while commentating. "Don't be fooled."

Djokovic responded days later, addressing McEnroe directly: "It's always easier to judge and criticise than to understand. It's a lesson I've learned in life."

The Serbian was ultimately vindicated - albeit in unfortunate circumstances - when he had to pull out of a semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev only three days later. Even so, parts of the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena booed him, prompting Zverev to defend him publicly.

"Please guys, don't boo a player when he goes out with injury," Zverev said in his post-match comments on court. "I know that everybody paid for tickets and everybody wants to see a great five set match. But you have to understand for the past 20 years Novak Djokovic has given tennis absolutely everything.

"He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, a hamstring tear. If he cannot continue with this match, it means he really can't continue."

While many accept the legitimacy of his injuries in Melbourne, others - such as Nick Kyrgios - think Djokovic sometimes employs health concerns to gain a psychological edge. "Honestly, I think that he [uses medical timeouts] sometimes early on in Slams to mess with his opponents, to be honest," Kyrgios after Djokovic beat Muller.

Last year, former French Open champion Adriano Panatta accused Djokovic of deceiving the public about how severe his injury really was, following what many called a miraculous return from knee surgery. Djokovic had suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee during the 2024 French Open and was expected to miss Wimbledon. Instead, he not only showed up but advanced all the way to the final.

"Let's say there's a big mystery surrounding him," Panatta told Libero Quotidiano. "How is he really? Is he bluffing? And his recently operated knee?"

Roger Federer has also raised questions about Djokovic's physical complaints and his tendency to call for medical help mid-match - particularly in his earlier years. During the 2006 Davis Cup, Federer criticised a 19-year-old Djokovic for summoning a trainer in a match versus Stan Wawrinka, questioning the young Serb's integrity.

"I don't trust his injuries. I'm serious," Federer said bluntly. "I think he's a joke, you know, when it comes down to his injuries."

Three years later, Federer again expressed frustration after Djokovic pulled out of an Australian Open match against Andy Roddick due to heat exhaustion. "It's happened before, he's not the guy who's never given up before, so that's kind of disappointing to see," Federer said..

"I mean, he gave up against me in Monaco last year because of sore throat. Those are the kind of things you wonder about. I've only given up basically once in my career."

Roddick himself has also poked fun at Djokovic's injury history. Prior to their 2008 US Open meeting, the American mocked the long list of physical complaints Djokovic reportedly had that tournament.

"Yeah, both of 'em (ankles)? And a back [injury]? And a hip [injury]? And a cramp? Bird flu… anthrax… SARS… common cough and cold," Roddick joked. "No, I mean, if it's there, it's there. There's just a lot. You know, he's either quick to call a trainer or he's the most courageous guy of all time. It's up for you guys to decide."

Over time, Djokovic has silenced many of his critics - not only with his unmatched success on the court but also with his near-pristine injury record. Now 38, he's more susceptible to niggles, which have become more frequent.