Concern for Djokovic: limping out of Doha

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has set alarm bells ringing about his physical condition ahead of upcoming tournaments, after AS’s cameras caught the Serb visibly limping as he entered Doha Airport on Friday.

Djokovic limps after defeat in Qatar return

Djokovic returned to action at the Qatar Open this week, suffering an opening-round defeat in his first competitive singles match since retiring hurt from January’s Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

Having sustained a muscle tear in his left leg during his Australian Open quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz - an injury whose authenticity was questioned in some sections of the media - Djokovic pulled out of his last-four match-up with Zverev after losing the first set.

Booed by fans inside Rod Laver Arena, the 37-year-old later responded to doubters' claims over his injury, hitting out at the accusations of “experts” in a social-media post that included an image of an MRI scan on his leg.

Djokovic limps in Doha despite assurances over fitness

Djokovic’s limp at Doha Airport, which can clearly be seen in the video that accompanies this article, comes as a surprise.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner had said he felt no pain during his match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, in which he was beaten 7-6, 6-2.

He also showed no apparent discomfort during the two doubles matches he played in Doha, alongside Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.

Watch Djokovic limp through the entrance at Doha Airport:

When is Djokovic next due on court?

Djokovic stated in a press conference that his intention is to compete in the Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. The Indian Wells Open takes place from March 2 to March 16, before the Miami Open is played from March 19 to March 30.

While the extent of his apparent fitness issue is yet to be determined, the veteran’s participation in both events remains uncertain after he departed Doha with clear signs of pain.

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Article originally written in Spanish, before being translated with the assistance of AI, and edited and expanded by William Allen.

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