The Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic, who was recently involved in a controversy, was spotted taking some pills during a second-round mid-match break. Because he won the match following the break, his medical break became a topic of great interest.
Similar things happened to him today at the Paris Masters when he was called for a second medical time-out during his match against Andrey Rublev. This angered both his opponent and his supporters.
After a tiebreaker, Djokovic prevailed in the second set despite losing the first to Rublev. After that, though, he went to the bathroom, and upon returning, he had a medical time-out to deal with a back problem. He reportedly took the break because he was experiencing leg and back pain.
The break was problematic in that it felt like it would never end. Many others expressed frustration on social media, wanting the third set to start immediately. In addition, supporters have long objected to Djokovic taking time off since each time he does, he returns stronger and wins everything.
Even his opponent found it unpleasant that the MTO and bathroom break took up to thirteen minutes.
One fan commented: “Well, over ten minutes since the last point.”
Another one posted: “We’re going three in Paris, but first, a little back rubbage for Nole.”
Another fan replied: “Rublev is cutting a frustrated figure while Djokovic has a lengthy break at the end of the second set.”
Novak Djokovic in 2023
Ranked world no.1, Novak played his last match on the 5th of November when he overcame world no.17 Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-3 in the final in Paris to win his 96th career title.
This season Novak has managed to achieve a 51-5 record. Djokovic has won 6 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Paris. The Serbian was the finalist in Wimbledon.
Andrey Rublev in 2023
Now ranked no.5 (career-high), Andrey played his last match on the 4th of November when he capitulated to world no.1 Novak Djokovic 5-7 7-6(3) 7-5 in the semifinal in Paris (draw).
Until now, during this year Rublev has achieved a 56-23 record. Rublev has won 2 titles in 2023 in Monte-Carlo and Bastad. Andrey was the runner-up in Dubai, Banja Luka, Halle and Shanghai.
Novak Djokovic and Andrey Rublev fought against each other 6 times. Their actual record is 5-1 for Djokovic. Before, the last time they competed against each other, Novak Djokovic won 5-7 7-6(3) 7-5 in the semifinal in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 4th of November 2023.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.