Novak Djokovic has fired back at his doubters with a firmly-worded message.

Novak Djokovic has taken to social media with a message for his doubters (Image: GETTY)

Novak Djokovic has responded to the conspiracy theories surrounding his injury at the Australian Open, taking to social media with a message for John McEnroe and all the ‘experts’.

The Serb was forced to withdraw from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev and later explained that he had torn a muscle in his leg.

He initially sparked fears over an injury during his last-eight win over Carlos Alcaraz, when he was forced to take a medical timeout, but McEnroe was not convinced that Djokovic’s problem was genuine.

Commentating on the match, McEnroe said: “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled.”

Djokovic picked up the injury against Carlos Alcaraz before withdrawing from the semi-finals (Image: GETTY)

Djokovic has since issued a public response to his doubters by sharing an image of an MRI scan on X (formerly Twitter), alongside the caption: “Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury ‘experts’ out there.”

After his withdrawal against Zverev, he was directly quizzed on McEnroe’s comments and responded with a thinly-veiled dig at the American.

“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.”

It remains to be seen when Djokovic will return to the court given the potentially serious nature of his injury, which could keep him on the treatment table for an extended period.

He was due to represent Serbia in their upcoming Davis Cup qualifier against Denmark but has been forced to withdraw from the squad as a result of his latest setback.

Djokovic has also suggested that he may not return to the Australian Open next year, sparking fears that he could retire at the end of the season.

Asked if this year might have been his final appearance at Melbourne Park, he replied: “I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes.

“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].”