Novak Djokovic won 2023 Australian Open regardless of hamstring tear, competition director states

Novak Djokovic was a strong competitor to win the 2023 Australian Open due to his history of success at Melbourne Park, however his most current accomplishment included additional trouble. The Serbian star took this year’s prize with a muscle tear of about an inch in his left hamstring, according to Australian Open competition director Craig Tiley.

“He gets a bad rap, but at the end of the day, I don’t think anyone can question his athleticism,” Tiley stated on Wednesday, per ESPN. “This guy, I did see, he had a 3-centimeter tear in his hammy.

“Absolutely (I saw the scans), the medical professionals are going to inform you the reality. I believe there was a great deal of speculation of whether it held true or not. It’s tough to think that somebody can do what they make with those kinds of injuries, however he’s amazing.”

It was clear that Djokovic was not totally healthy entering the competition. His hamstring was badgering him from an injury he suffered at the Adelaide International — a competition he likewise won — previously in January. 

He did program indications of battle through the competitors however pressed through with the assistance of fitness instructors, pain reliever and psychological strength.

“I leave the doubting to those people – let them doubt,” Djokovic informed Serbian media in January. “Only my injuries are questioned. When some other players are injured, then they are the victims, but when it is me, I am faking it. It is very interesting… I don’t feel that I need to prove anything to anyone.”

Djokovic’s win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s last offered him the 10th Australian Open prize of his profession, in addition to his 93rd ATP title. It was likewise his 22nd Grand Slam title, which connected Rafael Nadal’s record. Djokovic showed up as the No. 5 ranked gamer on the planet however reached No. 1 in the current ATP rankings, extending his record-breaking stint to 374 weeks at the top.

“He’s extremely professional,” Tiley stated. “He’s so concentrated on whatever he does, with every minute of the day. What he consumes, what he consumes, when he does it, how he does it.

“There’s no breakdown or mental breakdown ever in anything that he does. He’s been through a lot and to win 10 Australian Opens, I don’t think that’s ever going to be repeated to the extend that he is done it…. He’ll hold a significant place in the history of the Australian Open.”