Novak Djokovic played with 3 cm tear in his hamstring, says tournament director

• Djokovic battled a hamstring injury at the Australian Open
• Djokovic hit back at those who doubted his injury claim
• Djokovic became the first man to win 10 Australian Open titles

Questions have been raised about the legitimacy of Novak Djokovic's injury claim for the 2023 Australian Open, but tournament director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday the Serb played in Melbourne with a three-centimeter (1.2-inch) hamstring tear. Djokovic played his entire campaign in Melbourne with a taped leg as he overcame the problem to win his 10th Australian Open crown, becoming the first player to do so at Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic was angry at people who doubted his injury and hit out at them, saying they only asked him about his injury and not many others on the tour. The Serbian suffered an injury en route to the Adelaide International 1 title ahead of the Australian Open. Djokovic felt the heat of the injury during an exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios at Rod Laver Arena in the build-up to the first Grand Slam of the season.

His participation was in doubt when Djokovic canceled practice in Melbourne, but the Serb allayed fears of a withdrawal by going past his first-round opponent. However, Djokovic needed medical attention during his 2nd round match against Enzo Couacaud, who was able to take a set against the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

Craig Tiley said he could not believe Djokovic was able to continue despite the injury and that he had personally seen the scan reports. "The guy I saw had a three-inch tear in his hammy," Tiley said. "It's remarkable to deal with it in an extremely professional manner," he added.

Remarkably, Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic said after the Australian Open that 97 per cent of players would retire after such an injury, but the world number one battled on to win the Australian Open, dropping just one set along the way. Meanwhile, Tiley praised Djokovic and said his feat of winning 10 Australian Open titles may never be replicated.