Novak Djokovic taking a medical time-out during his recent 2024 United Cup clash did not sit well with Roger Federer’s fans on X (formerly Twitter). The situation soon blew up into a feud as the two sections of fans traded blows.
Facing the Czech Republic in Serbia’s debut United Cup campaign, Djokovic came up against Jiri Lehecka in the men’s singles fixture. He inflicted a breadstick to win the first set but lost the second following a tiebreaker. In the changeover before the decider, he took a medical time-out as physios attended to his right wrist.
The social media fan wars started when a Federer fan account accused Djokovic of frequently using time-outs or bathroom breaks to halt his opponent’s momentum.
More Federer fans and Djokovic detractors echoed this sentiment and agreed.
However, supporters of Djokovic did not take this lying down. They hit back at those who were trolling their favourite player. A couple of users pointed out why Djokovic is being targeted for taking breaks when many players do this. In fact, they end up losing despite taking breaks.
Others said what Djokovic did was well within the rules of the game.
Some fans mocked Federer, also dragging Rafael Nadal, to respond to the jokes at Djokovic’s expense.
Medical time-outs not a new thing for Novak Djokovic
Despite requiring medical attention, Novak Djokovic brushed himself off and imposed another breadstick upon Jiri Lehecka. He won 1-6, 7-6(3), 1-6 to keep his country alive in their second round-robin clash. Serbia triumphed in mixed doubles to secure the tie and top Group E. They will now face hosts Australia in the quarter-finals.
This is not the first time Djokovic has taken a medical time-out when seemingly down and out, only to bounce back in imperious form. This is a very familiar script, often angering Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fans. A recent example is the 2023 Cincinnati Masters final. In the titanic clash, Carlos Alcaraz looked like he would race away with a straight-set victory.
The Spaniard had won the first set and led 4-2 in the second. Djokovic struggled in the hot and humid conditions and took a couple of time-outs in the second set. He soon showed incredible form to save a championship point and send the match into the decider, ultimately lifting the title.
Even if it infuriates fans of his rivals, no one can deny what Djokovic does is completely legal and allowed. The World No.1 knows how to perfectly time and utilise his breaks when facing dire circumstances in any clash.
