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Novak Djokovic hit back at John McEnroe after the tennis legend questioned whether his Australian Open injury in 2025 was genuine. The Serbian star was forced to retire during his semi-final against Alexander Zverev, having picked up a muscle injury during his quarter-final defeat of Carlos Alcaraz.

After his withdrawal, suspicion quickly spread across the tennis community. McEnroe voiced his doubts during live commentary, stating: "This isn't the first time we've seen this routine. Don't be fooled."

Djokovic wasted little time responding, uploading a photo of an MRI scan to social media that confirmed a torn leg muscle. He paired the image with the caption: "Thought I'd leave this here for all the sports injury 'experts' out there."

When asked about McEnroe's remarks, Djokovic delivered a subtle but pointed response directed at the former world No. 1. "To be honest, I haven't seen these comments so I can't say more," said Djokovic. "What I can say is that it's always easier to judge and criticise than to understand. It's a lesson I've learned in life."

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There was nothing fabricated about the injury. Djokovic spent three weeks receiving treatment before returning at the Qatar Open in February, although he had to wait until late March at the Miami Open to notch up a win.

At that stage, he had endured a full year without capturing a Grand Slam title - just the second such stretch since 2010. A noticeable slump in form, along with repeated physical setbacks, intensified retirement talk, speculation that Djokovic did little to quiet after his Melbourne exit at the age of 37.

"I don't know [if that was my final match at the Australian Open]. There is a chance. Who knows? I'll just have to see how the season goes," he said. "I want to keep going, but whether I'm going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I'm not sure. I normally like to come to Australia to play.

"I've had the biggest success in my career here. So if I'm fit, healthy, motivated, I don't see a reason why I wouldn't come, but there's always a chance [it is the last time]."

The following season offered no major breakthrough, with 2025 ending without a Slam as Djokovic exited at the semi-final stage of all four majors. Attention has now turned to 2026, where a single Grand Slam victory would elevate him above every player in tennis history.

His campaign at the 2026 Australian Open has begun promisingly, with Djokovic reaching the fourth round without conceding a set. He is set to face Jakub Mensik next, and Melbourne Park - where he has lifted 10 titles - could represent his strongest chance to finally land Grand Slam No. 25.

That said, the road to the trophy is anything but simple. The draw suggests Djokovic may need to defeat both Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz to claim the title.

He has been beaten in his last five encounters with Sinner, including their Australian Open clash in 2024, while Alcaraz claimed their latest meeting at the US Open last September.

Only time will tell whether Djokovic can summon another iconic Melbourne triumph - or if the sport's elite have finally left him behind for good.