John McEnroe suggested he thinks Novak Djokovic faked an injury as a tactic during his Australian Open quarter-final showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic took a 2-0 lead in the first set, but he showed clear signs of discomfort shortly thereafter as his movement seemed hampered by a leg issue.
After Alcaraz broke to take a 5-4 lead in the opener, Djokovic spoke to the physio before leaving the court for a medical timeout.
The 37-year-old Serbian returned with strapping on his upper left thigh, and he could not prevent Alcaraz from serving the set out to love.
Commentating on ESPN’s coverage of the match, McEnroe cast doubt over Djokovic’s injury and claimed it was a “routine” he has used before.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled,” said the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion.
After Djokovic won the second set, McEnroe’s brother and co-commentator Patrick McEnroe asked him in disbelief: “Did you see this coming!?”
“Yes,” the American replied.
Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, responded to losing the opening set in incredible fashion as he produced a staggering display of aggressive tennis to win the next three sets.
The tennis legend, who is seeded seventh in Melbourne, prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a pulsating encounter against Alcaraz, the world No 3 and a four-time major winner.
Djokovic now leads his head-to-head series with Alcaraz 5-3 and he has levelled the score in Grand Slam matches to 2-2.
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