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Djokovic in Melbourne
Photo: FAZRY ISMAIL / EPA
Tennis star Novak Djokovic has complained to the Serbian media about unequal treatment and that his thigh injury is sometimes called into question.
“If some other players are injured, then they are the victims.
But when I am, I fake it.
It's very interesting," the platform "tennismajors.com" quoted the 35-year-old as saying.
These statements were said to have been made in conversation with Serbian journalists after Djoković's round of 16 victory at the Australian Open against local hero Alex de Minaur on Monday evening.
However, Djokovic also emphasized that he did not feel that he "had to prove anything to anyone".
Nevertheless, he is considering publishing pictures, for example of MRI and ultrasound examinations: "Maybe I'll do that, maybe not".
In fact, he "wouldn't care" about what other people say about his injury.
He's "used to it," it even gives him "extra strength and motivation," claimed the 21-time Grand Slam tournament winner, "so I thank them for that."
Djoković meets Russia's Andrei Rublev in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Djoković called for a few breaks in treatment in the first few rounds and repeatedly grabbed his thigh with a pained face and also hobbled after rallies.
In the game itself, the injury was hardly noticeable.
»What always bothers me a bit: he runs straight to the ball and then he hobbles – as if he wants to demonstrate: hey guys, I've got something.
That annoys me a bit," national coach Barbara Rittner criticized at Eurosport.
His ex-coach Boris Becker explained that Djokovic's behavior was "difficult" for the opponents.
“Sometimes you get the impression he's bluffing.
Sometimes you get the impression he can't finish the match," said the Eurosport expert: "It's kind of between heaven and hell."
ara/dpa