John McEnroe raised a conspiracy theory about Novak Djokovic’s injury concerns after the 37-year-old took an off-court medical timeout during his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz.
During the first set, Djokovic appeared to pull up on his leg, grimacing in pain. He left the court with the physio and returned with his upper thigh taped. However, McEnroe expressed skepticism, urging Alcaraz not to be “fooled” by Djokovic, suggesting that the injury might not be as serious as it seemed.
McEnroe, commentating alongside his brother Patrick for Channel Nine, pointed out that this was not the first time he had seen such a routine from Djokovic. “Don’t be fooled,” he warned Alcaraz and the viewers.
The medical timeout came with Alcaraz leading 5-4 in the first set, having broken Djokovic’s serve. Upon Djokovic’s return, Alcaraz quickly closed out the set.
Djokovic raised his level in the second set, taking an early 3-0 lead. Although Alcaraz fought back to level the score, Djokovic eventually broke again to take the set 6-4, evening the match.
Patrick McEnroe asked his brother if he had expected Djokovic’s comeback, to which John firmly responded, “Yes.” Whether or not his theory was accurate, Djokovic continued to elevate his game as the match progressed, while Alcaraz struggled to respond.
In the third set, there was a series of breaks, with Djokovic taking the lead before Alcaraz pulled one back. But the 24-time Grand Slam champion remained relentless, breaking once more to take the set 6-4 in a thrilling point that left Alcaraz laughing in disbelief.
Djokovic, visibly fired up, encouraged the crowd with gestures and blew kisses. He carried that momentum into the fourth set, breaking immediately while Alcaraz looked confused and glanced at his team.
Despite appearing to be in discomfort, Djokovic took painkillers during the first changeover of the set, suggesting that he was still managing a niggle.
