Rafael Nadal's uncle throws shade at Novak Djokovic as he questions the authenticity of the Serbian's shock Australian Open decision
Rafael Nadal's uncle throws shade at Novak Djokovic as he questions the authenticity of the Serbian's shock Australian Open decision
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Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni, has questioned the authenticity of Novak Djokovic’s thigh injury that forced the former world No 1 to retire mid-way through his semi-final at the Australian Open. During his explosive column, the spanish tennis coach, 63, who stepped away from working as Felix Auger-Aliassime's coach last year, had added that Djokovic deserved greater respect from fans who had booed him.
![[Djokovic retired from his semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev on Friday, due to a hamstring tear]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/10/94589335-14332999-image-a-5_1738059291139.jpg)
Fans had become irritated that his semi-final against Alexander Zverev had come to an abrupt early ending after just an hour and 22 minutes of play, with some having paid more than $360 for a ticket to watch the 10-time Australian Open champion. Djokovic had appeared to sustain the injury during his epic quarter-final comeback victory against Carlos Alcaraz but question marks had revolved over his fitness in the days prior to Friday's semi-final.
![[The Serbian (right) copped boos from fans inside the Rod Laver Arena, but while he raised eyebrows over the injury, Toni Nadal said Djokovic deserved respect]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/10/94589255-14332999-image-a-7_1738059358382.jpg)
While it is possible he had practised off-site, he had appeared to give his injury a few days rest ahead of his encounter with Zverev. But during his match against Alcaraz, the 37-year-old had faced questions over the veracity of his hamstring injury, with Toni Nadal chiming in on the matter to state that the move has 'fostered suspicion'.
![[Nadal later went on to wish the 24-time Grand Slam champion a speedy recovery, despite raising eyebrows at Djokovic's past injuries]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/10/94589259-14332999-image-a-8_1738059401692.jpg)
Ragael Nadal's uncle, Toni (right), has stated that there has been 'a growing suspicion' around Novak Djokovic's injury problems. Djokovic retired from his semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev on Friday, due to a hamstring tear. The Serbian (right) copped boos from fans inside the Rod Laver Arena, but while he raised eyebrows over the injury, Toni Nadal said Djokovic deserved respect.
![[Djokovic, though, has lashed out at his critics, posting a scan of his hamstring onnline which showed the extent of the damage to his leg]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/09/94506327-0-The_37_year_old_posted_a_scan_which_showed_the_extent_of_the_dam-a-1_1738057792600.jpg)
