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Published: 09:28, February 02, 2023 | Updated: 09:30, February 02, 2023
Djokovic played Australian Open with 3cm hamstring tear, says Tiley
By Reuters
Published:09:28, February 02, 2023 Updated:09:30, February 02, 2023 By Reuters

Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in the gardens of Government House the morning after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan 30, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Novak Djokovic played with a three-centimeter tear in his hamstring during his run to a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday.

The Serbian, who suffered the hamstring injury en route to winning the warm-up title in Adelaide, won the season-opening major after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final for a men's record 22nd Grand Slam title, matching Rafa Nadal's haul.

"This guy I did see, he had a three-centimeter tear in his hammy," Tiley told SEN Sportsday. "Absolutely (I saw the scans), the doctors are going to tell you the truth.

"There was a lot of speculation about whether it was true or not, it's hard to believe that they can do what they do with those kinds of injuries.

ALSO READ: Djokovic gave everything to overcome injury, says coach

Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas during their men's singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan 29, 2023. (DAVID GRAY / AFP)

"He's remarkable, to deal with it extremely professionally."

Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic said after the final that the world number one battled the injury, which would have forced most players to quit.

"He's so focused on everything he does, with every single minute of the day," Tiley added. "That's what he eats, what he drinks, when he does it, how he does it.

READ MORE: Djokovic says injury doubters give him extra motivation

"There's no breakdown or mental breakdown in anything that he does. He's been through a lot and to win 10 Australian Opens, I don't think that's ever going to be repeated... He'll hold a significant place in the history of the Australian Open."

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