Novak Djokovic came into his fourth-round Australian Open clash nursing a hamstring injury that he said left him a match-by-match proposition to continue in the tournament.
But yet another win, his 38th consecutive on Australian soil, and in dominant fashion left opponent Alex de Minaur wondering exactly how hurt the nine-time champion was.
Djokovic suffered the current issue during the semi-finals of the Adelaide International 1 earlier this month, but played and won a three-setter against Australian Open quarter-finalist Seb Korda 24 hours later.
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The Serb has been accused in the past of exaggerating injuries. Most recently, he spoke often about an abdominal tear suffered early in the 2021 Australian Open – though he cruised to the title while suffering from it, winning the final over Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
After the 2015 final at Melbourne Park Andy Murray accused him of playing up an issue that was “not legitimate”.
On Monday night, de Minaur commented on how well Djokovic moved – and was asked whether the speculation about his injury was frustrating during the match.
“I don’t know. You tell me how you thought he looked out there,” he said, with a wry smile.
“Playing him, I thought he was moving pretty well, so… I don’t know.”
Asked how he prepared given the hamstring issue, de Minaur said: “Look, I don’t know. I think everyone’s kind of seeing what’s been happening over the couple of weeks. It’s the only thing everyone’s been talking about.
“Today I was out there on court against him. Either I’m not a good enough tennis player to expose that, or… it looked good to me. He was just too good in all aspects.”
What a way to lose a marathon… | 00:41
Djokovic said post-match he did not have any issues with the hamstring during the win over de Minaur.
“I didn’t feel anything today. Today was great,” he said.
“I thank my medical team, my physio. Thank God, anybody that really helped me.
