John McEnroe speculated about a possible conspiracy surrounding Novak Djokovic’s injury during his match against Carlos Alcaraz after the 37-year-old took an off-court medical timeout.
Djokovic, ranked world No. 7, appeared to struggle with his leg during the first set, grimacing in pain and eventually leaving the court with the physio. Upon his return, his upper thigh was strapped.
However, McEnroe expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the injury, advising Alcaraz not to be “fooled” by the 10-time Australian Open champion.
Commentating alongside his brother Patrick for Australia’s Channel Nine, McEnroe suggested that Djokovic’s apparent physical struggles might not have been entirely 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 called for an off-court medical timeout while trailing 5-4 in the first set with a break. Upon his return, Alcaraz quickly closed out the set.
The Serbian star then elevated his performance, surging to an early 3-0 lead in the second set. Although Alcaraz managed to level the score, Djokovic regained momentum, breaking again to secure the set 6-4 and even the match.
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.
The third set saw a flurry of breaks as Djokovic briefly took the lead, only for the 21-year-old Alcaraz to break back.
However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion remained unyielding, breaking again to secure a two-sets-to-one advantage on a dramatic set point that left even Alcaraz laughing in disbelief. Djokovic ultimately sealed the match with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory, earning his place in a record 50th Grand Slam semi-final.
Fired up, Djokovic engaged with the crowd by gesturing to his ear and blowing kisses. He carried his momentum into the fourth set, breaking Alcaraz immediately while the young Spaniard looked toward his team in confusion.
Despite appearing to nurse a lingering issue—taking painkillers during the first changeover of the set—Djokovic maintained his composure to finish the job.
