Toni Nadal: "Over the years, suspicion has built up around Djokovic's injuries".

By Jules Hypolite

le 27/01/2025 à 21h42

Djokovic Open d'Australie

Toni Nadal spoke to Spanish media outlet El Pais about Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the Australian Open semi-finals and the whistles that accompanied the Serb's exit from Rod Laver Arena.

For Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach, the booing can be explained for two specific reasons: "The question is, why was there such a reaction in the stands?

Firstly, I can understand the public's disappointment and anger at having been deprived of the expected spectacle after having paid for a ticket.

But the second reason, and probably the most important, is that over the years, suspicion has built up around Novak, due to his grimaces and theatricality.

It cast doubt on the veracity of his injuries."

He continues: "When a player is faced with physical problems, he makes the decision to give up in the end.

First he calls the physio, plays a few games, then, when he realizes he can't go on, he chooses to give up.

Several times we've seen Novak do the same thing, with facial expressions and body language that say the opposite of what we see on the court and sow doubt about the authenticity of his problems."