Novak Djokovic answered plenty of questions in his eagerly anticipated press conference on Wednesday, but there was one topic he was keen to side-step.

Plenty of cynics questioned the severity of Djokovic’s hamstring injury as he stormed to Australian Open success in Melbourne last month.

It was later claimed that he played the tournament with a 3cm tear in his hamstring, which was viewed as a remarkable achievement by medical experts.

Now Djokovic has been asked about the suggestion that he exaggerated the injury, as he offered up these comments to reporters.

“I really do not have the time, energy, or will to deal with every story that appears on the internet, or what someone says about something,” said Djokovic.

“I know what is right and what is true.”

Djokovic’s always passionate fans on social media have been quick to jump on anyone who has dared to suggest their hero faked an injury at the Australian Open.

And tennis star Arina Rodionova has been caught up in their famously firey exchanges, as she responded to suggestions that she came back from an injury in double quick time.

She made the point that Djokovic played with a hamstring problem every couple of days in Melbourne, while she is returning after a period of recuperation, but those comments are likely to fall on dear ears with the notoriously abrasive fans of the world No 1.

Meanwhile, Djokovic is hopeful of being given special permission to play the upcoming tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

Djokovic is currently unable to enter the United States as he is unvaccinated against Covid-19.

But, with current restrictions due to end in April, Djokovic wants dispensation to enter the country and play the ‘Sunshine Double’.

“I’m waiting for a reply, it’s not on me. I will know soon,” Djokovic, who has not played in America since 2021, said at a press conference in Belgrade on Wednesday.

“Everything is in process. I’m thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments and communities for their support publicly.

“They would like me to be able to play in their tournaments. I’m very thankful for that because I have a big desire to be there, I haven’t played there for a couple of years.

“I’m looking forward to a positive decision coming soon, but it’s not in my hands. Right now that is all that I can say.

“All I can do is hope at the moment. My position is the same, I wish for a positive result.”

Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open in January and his record-equalling 22nd grand slam title overall, despite suffering from a hamstring injury.

The 35-year-old is due to play in Dubai next week, with the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells due to start on March 6.

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