A controversial recovery timeline

Djokovic’s journey to Doha follows a turbulent Australian Open exit, where he retired mid-match against Alexander Zverev after visibly struggling with a left leg injury. Though he later shared medical scans confirming a significant muscle strain, doubts persist. Critics point to his abrupt withdrawal in Melbourne, where he was met with audible frustration from the crowd, as well as his rapid return to competition just weeks later.

The skepticism isn’t unfounded. During his quarterfinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic took a medical timeout after the first set, reappearing with heavy strapping on his thigh. Despite grimacing through subsequent games, he rallied to win the match in four sets—a resilience that paradoxically fueled speculation. Alcaraz himself later questioned Djokovic’s claims, noting that a player “contemplating retirement” wouldn’t deliver such a dominant performance in later sets.

Echoes of past scrutiny

This isn’t the first time Djokovic’s injury management has drawn scrutiny. Tennis legend John McEnroe openly speculated about theatrics during the Australian Open, calling it a “familiar routine,” while former World No. 1 Andy Roddick suggested Djokovic’s movement seemed improved post-injury. “If I pulled a muscle, it usually got worse—not better,” Roddick remarked on his podcast.

Fans remain divided, too. A recent poll revealed a near-even split, with 49% accusing Djokovic of exaggerating his condition and 51% siding with his account. The Serb’s defiant social media post—sharing MRI results with a sarcastic nod to “armchair experts”—did little to quell the controversy.