Toni Nadal: ‘Djokovic Deserves Respect’
Toni Nadal: ‘Djokovic Deserves Respect’
In an article for El Pais, coach Toni Nadal – uncle of tennis legend Rafael Nadal – stated that despite Novak Djokovic being surrounded by controversy, he still deserves respect.
Djokovic Sparks Controversy but Deserves Recognition
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Australian Open, where Jannik Sinner claimed the title and Djokovic was eliminated in the semifinals, Toni Nadal shared his thoughts in the Spanish magazine. He pointed out that Djokovic has always been a polarizing figure due to his unpredictable behavior on the court.
Doubts Surrounding Djokovic’s Injury
Toni Nadal believes that the skepticism regarding Djokovic’s alleged injury is understandable.
“There is a reason why people doubt whether Djokovic was truly injured,” Nadal wrote. “After losing the first set to Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, Nole seemed to suggest that he might withdraw. But then, he came back, played normally, and even won the next three sets. Similarly, in the semifinal against Alexander Zverev, Djokovic looked fine in the first set, lost only in a tie-break, and then suddenly retired. This left the audience confused and frustrated.”
The image of Djokovic walking off Rod Laver Arena amidst boos from the crowd after retiring from the 2025 Australian Open semifinal was a rare sight for a player who had won the title 10 times at this venue.
“Djokovic has lifted the trophy there 10 times, he does not deserve to be booed,” Toni Nadal said. “I believe that a great champion like him should not leave the court under such circumstances. My feeling is one of respect, and he deserves that—especially in Melbourne.”
Djokovic Responds to Critics with MRI Scan
After the match, Djokovic acknowledged the fans’ frustration, saying he understood that they paid to see a high-level match. However, he also suggested that the Australian crowd either didn’t understand or deliberately refused to understand his situation.
To counter accusations of faking an injury, Djokovic posted an MRI scan of his injury on X (Twitter), sending a clear message to his critics.
Previously, tennis legend John McEnroe, while commenting on Djokovic’s match against Alcaraz, had sarcastically remarked:
“We’ve seen this too many times before. Don’t be fooled by Djokovic.”
Toni Nadal: Djokovic Creates His Own Doubts
According to Toni Nadal, a genuinely injured player would gradually decline in performance before reaching a point where they could no longer continue.
“Many times, Djokovic’s facial expressions, body language, and words contradict what we see on the court. He himself has planted seeds of doubt about the authenticity of his injuries. His exaggerated reactions and dramatic gestures over the years have only fueled the skepticism,” Toni Nadal emphasized.
Djokovic on Recovery: Future Participation in Doubt
Currently, Djokovic is in Serbia, recovering from his injury. He has officially withdrawn from the Serbian Davis Cup team, which will compete in March.
His participation in the 2025 Qatar Open, a tournament he is familiar with, is also uncertain. With his condition still in question, fans are eagerly waiting to see whether Djokovic can make a strong comeback and reaffirm his status as the world’s top player.
