Australian Open 2025: Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic came from behind to beat young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a hard-fought quarter-final clash at the Rod Laver Arena.

However, his recent victory over the Spaniard has sparked controversy, with fans and commentators accusing the Serbian star of faking an injury to gain an unfair advantage.

After losing the first set, the 24-time Grand Slam champion took a medical timeout for a thigh injury, raising eyebrows among spectators and analysts alike.

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Tennis legend John McEnroe, who was commentating, did not hold back his scepticism, saying: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled,”

The former US tennis legend’s remark suggested that Djokovic's injury antics were a strategic ploy. McEnroe's comments have reignited a long-standing debate about Djokovic's use of medical timeouts in crucial matches.

During the match, Djokovic struggled with his movement, grimacing in pain and receiving treatment on his right thigh. However, he seemed to regain his form after the timeout, fighting hard in the subsequent sets.

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This sudden turnaround led to accusations from fans and commentators that Djokovic was exaggerating his injury to disrupt Alcaraz's rhythm.

Alcaraz himself seemed to have doubts about Djokovic's injury, at one point mimicking a limp and grabbing his thigh, which many interpreted as a sign of frustration and disbelief.

American tennis great James Blake also weighed in, noting Alcaraz's apparent mockery of Djokovic's condition.

“He’s obviously fine, just acting like he’s got some sort of an injury,” Blake commented during the broadcast.

After the match, Carlos Alcaraz said he got distracted and lost his focus a little bit after Djokovic’s injury.

Djokovic, however, defended his actions in the post-match press conference, stating that the medical timeout was necessary and he used Alcaraz’s indecisiveness to his advantage.

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“Look, I feel for him. I understand that it's not comfortable to play someone that you don't know if he's going to retire or not. Is he moving? Is he running? What's happening? I felt that he was looking at me more than he was looking at himself,” Djokovic said after the match.

“I try to use that to my advantage, in a sense, to take the initiative of the rallies and his hesitation,” Djokovic explained.

As Djokovic prepares for his semi-final showdown with Alexander Zverev, the debate over his injury tactics continues to swirl. Whether a genuine ailment or a strategic move, Djokovic's performance has once again placed him at the centre of tennis controversy.