John McEnroe wasn’t convinced by Novak Djokovic’s injury scare (Image: Getty)
raised a conspiracy theory about ‘s injury woes after the 37-year-old took an off-court medical timeout during his clash with .
The world No. 7 was seen pulling up on his leg and grimacing during the first set.
But McEnroe wasn’t convinced and told Alcaraz not to be “fooled” by the 10-time champion.
McEnroe commentated on the blockbuster quarter-final with his brother Patrick for the Australian host broadcaster, Channel Nine. After watching Djokovic physically struggle early on, he suggested the injury wasn’t genuine.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine,” the seven-time Major winner said. In a warning to Alcaraz and the audience, he added: “Don’t be fooled.”
Djokovic took his off-court medical timeout with Alcaraz leading 5-4 in the first set with a break. When he returned, the Spaniard immediately closed out the set.
The Serb started to raise his level and took an early 3-0 lead in the second. Alcaraz drew level but Djokovic only grew stronger and broke again to take it 6-4, evening the score.
Novak Djokovic received an off-court medical timeout in the first set (Image: Getty)
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When Djokovic won set two, Patrick McEnroe asked: “Did you see this coming?” But John still firmly believed the No. 7 seed had been fine all along.
“Yes,” he replied. Whether or not his theory was correct, Djokovic continued to raise his level as the match went on while Alcaraz was left feeling helpless.
There was a boomerang of breaks towards the end of the third set, with Djokovic taking the lead before the 21-year-old pegged one back.
But the 24-time Major winner was relentless. He broke again and took a two-set-to-one lead on a crazy set point that even had Alcaraz laughing in disbelief.
Djokovic was fired up. He touched his ear with his finger to encourage the crowd and blowing kisses.
He carried his momentum straight into the fourth set and broke immediately while Alcaraz looked at his team, bewildered.
The world No. 7 still seemed to be carrying a niggle as he took painkillers during the first changeover of the set.