Rafael Nadal's uncle risks Novak Djokovic backlash with comments on Australian Open injury
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Toni Nadal questions Novak Djokovic's injury at Australian Open
Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, has questioned the legitimacy of Novak Djokovic's thigh injury that forced him to retire during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
The 63-year-old Spanish tennis coach raised doubts about the authenticity of Djokovic's injury in his explosive column for El Pais, whilst also defending the Serbian against booing fans.
Djokovic sustained the injury during his quarter-final comeback victory against Carlos Alcaraz.
The 10-time Australian Open champion had rested for several days before facing Zverev in the semi-final.
Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, has questioned the legitimacy of Novak Djokovic's thigh injury that forced him to retire during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev
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The match came to an abrupt end after just one hour and 22 minutes, however, leaving spectators who had paid up to $360 for tickets frustrated.
In his El Pais column, Toni highlighted how Djokovic's past behaviour had created doubt around his injuries.
"Over the years, a certain suspicion has been fostered around Novak, due to his grimaces or histrionics, which has sown doubts about the veracity of his injuries," wrote the former coach.
Novak Djokovic sustained his injury during his gruelling four-set win over Carlos Alcaraz last Tuesday
REUTERS
He noted that Djokovic had shown few signs of pain in the first set against Zverev.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe expressed skepticism during his Channel 9 commentary, stating: "This isn't the first time we've seen this routine. Don't be fooled."
But, in response to critics, Djokovic posted an MRI scan of his upper thigh on social media, writing: "Thought I'd leave this here for all the sports injury 'experts' out there."
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Speaking after the match, the Serbian confirmed he had suffered a muscle tear but remained philosophical about his Australian Open exit.
"It's not the first time that I have encountered these kind of circumstances," he said.
Despite the controversy, Toni Nadal expressed sympathy for Djokovic's treatment by spectators at Rod Laver Arena.
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"I can imagine how hard it must have been for him to have to accept such an adverse reaction from the public," he wrote.
The Spanish coach hoped Djokovic would recover and continue to showcase his "incredible game" throughout the year.
Novak Djokovic withdrew from his Australian Open semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev on Friday
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With the Serb forced out, Zverev competed in Sunday's final against Jannik Sinner.
Yet Sinner was too strong for the German, with the 23-year-old winning in straight sets to secure his third Grand Slam title.
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