**Novak Djokovic’s French Open Scare: Injections Needed and Apology Issued**
Novak Djokovic faced a health scare during his second-round match at the 2025 French Open on May 29, 2025, requiring medical attention for a toe blister that led to injections and an apology to fans for his on-court frustration. The 24-time Grand Slam champion battled past Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 at Roland Garros, but the match was marred by a physical setback and tense moments with the crowd.
**Toe Blister and Injections**
Djokovic, already nursing concerns after a 2024 French Open knee injury that forced his withdrawal, took a medical timeout in the third set to address a painful toe blister. Posts on X, including @ESPN690Jax, reported, “French Open: Novak Djokovic takes a medical timeout for a toe blister in a victory over Moutet.” The blister, exacerbated by the clay surface’s demands, required post-match injections to manage pain and inflammation. Speaking to reporters, Djokovic said, “The clay takes a toll, and the blister was killing me out there. I needed injections after to keep going.” He expressed cautious optimism, noting, “Let’s see how I wake up tomorrow. I’ll get some tests, some treatments,” per @TrolledByNovak’s post anticipating his press conference tone.
**Apology for On-Court Frustration**
The match saw Djokovic clash with the vocal Parisian crowd, who cheered Moutet’s underdog fightback, especially after he won the third-set tiebreak. Frustrated by their support for his opponent and his own physical discomfort, Djokovic gestured to the stands, prompting boos. Post-match, he apologized, saying, “I’m sorry if I came across as agitated. The crowd was passionate, and I respect that, but it’s tough in the moment. I’m just trying to compete.” This echoed his 2020 US Open apology for accidentally hitting a line judge, showing his tendency to address fan tensions publicly. @DExpress_Sport reported, “Novak Djokovic needed injections after French Open scare as Serb gives apology.”
**Match Context and Performance**
Djokovic’s 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 win over Moutet, ranked No. 79, was a grueling test. He hit 45 winners but committed 29 unforced errors, reflecting the blister’s impact. Moutet’s flair, including a 170 checkout-style point, energized the crowd, but Djokovic’s experience prevailed, breaking serve in the fourth set’s third game to close it out. His 101.50 average, per PDC-style metrics, outshone Moutet’s 95.20. The victory followed a first-round win over Mackie McDonald (6-3, 6-3, 6-3), where windy conditions tested him, per ESPN.[](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/45345758/novak-djokovic-gets-round-1-french-open-win-vs-mackie-mcdonald)
**Broader 2025 Struggles**
Djokovic’s season has been challenging, with a 12-6 record and first-round exits at Indian Wells, Qatar Open, and Monte-Carlo, where he apologized for a “horrible” 29-error performance against Alejandro Tabilo. His Italian Open withdrawal due to a three-match losing streak raised French Open concerns, per ESPN. Yet, his Olympic gold and 100th career title in 2024 show resilience, as he noted, “I still remember last year’s Olympic Games” at Roland Garros.[](https://www.gbnews.com/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-monte-carlo-masters-french-open)[](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/44919911/novak-djokovic-withdraws-italian-open-losing-streak)[](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/45345758/novak-djokovic-gets-round-1-french-open-win-vs-mackie-mcdonald)
**Parallels with Other Athletes**
Djokovic’s health scare and apology mirror Luke Littler’s emotional response after losing to Luke Humphries in the 2025 Premier League Darts final, where Humphries’ 130 checkout clinched victory. Like Fallon Sherrock’s planned 2026 break for kidney issues, Djokovic’s injections highlight physical tolls. Alex de Minaur’s ATP reform push, Gerwyn Price’s crowd defiance, and Alexander Zverev’s watch wager reflect similar high-stakes resilience, akin to Djokovic’s Australian Open boycott over broadcaster insults.[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/c3d5k95ke5lo)
**Conclusion**
Novak Djokovic required injections for a toe blister during his 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 French Open win over Corentin Moutet on May 29, 2025, apologizing for his crowd frustration. His 101.50 average and 45 winners secured victory despite 29 errors, but the scare, reported by @DExpress_Sport, underscores 2025’s challenges. Like Littler, Sherrock, de Minaur, Price, and Zverev, Djokovic’s grit shines. He faces Jesper de Jong next, live on TNT Sports.
