Novak Djokovic questioned by former French Open winner – 'Is he bluffing?'
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic underwent surgery prior to competing at the All England Club, but Adriano Patanna has now queried that claim.
Tennis legend Adriano Panatta has sensationally accused Novak Djokovic of "bluffing" over a recent injury.
Djokovic underwent the surgery after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee at the French Open last month causing him to withdraw from the tournament. Former French Open champion Panatta has now suggested the seven-time Wimbledon winner could be distorting the truth over the recent knee injury and surgery after the procedure was also bizarrely cast in doubt by the president of Serbia's Olympic Committee.
Following the announcement that Djokovic had undergone surgery, chief of the committee Bozidar Maljkovic insisted that it did not happen after claiming to have spoken with the tennis legend's uncle. In an interview with Libero Quotidiano, Panatta has now also raised concerns over the injury's authenticity and the operation that followed.
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“Let’s say there’s a big mystery surrounding him,” Panatta said. “How is he really? Is he bluffing? And his recently operated knee?"
The situation was seemingly put to bed however after Serbian publication Sportklub, who frequently report on Djokovic, claimed that the procedure did in fact happen and was reported to have went well. The 37-year-old himself also took to social media to confirm he had indeed undergone a procedure posting a picture of himself on crutches while surrounded by friends, family and coaching team.
Speaking after the operation, Djokovic spoke about the success of the operation. "I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well," he said. "I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans."
Panatta, who has been an outspoken critic of the Grand-Slam great in the past did also admit that, despite Djokovic not being the same player as "the good old days", he would still be apprehensive about going up against, arguably, the sport's greatest ever player. “At 37, he’s not the ‘Djoker’ of the good days, but I would always be afraid to cross rackets with someone who has triumphed on Centre Court seven times,” he added.
The 37-year-old has made a fast recovery in time to compete at this year's SW19 where he is seeking a record-equalling eighth title. The 24-time Grand Slam champion beat world No 47 Alexei Popyrin to reach the fourth round on Saturday and has already scored victories against Vit Kopriva and Jacob Fearnley.