Jim Courier fully believes Novak Djokovic was telling the truth when revealing his shoulder injury and the former four-time Grand Slam champion also tells the Serb's critics that the record 24-time Grand Slam champion has "earned the right" to do whatever he wants.
After edging out Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 in Saturday's Athens final, the former world No. 1 told the Italian that he would go to Turin because he was withdrawing from the ATP Finals. Later, the 38-year-old explained that he was dealing with a bad shoulder injury and that he managed to play the Athens final only with the help of "strong medication."
Those who were waiting for Djokovic to confirm or deny his ATP Finals participation instantly jumped to criticizing the current world No. 4, with some describing his decision as "unfair" to the competition that waited for days to learn what he would do regarding his Turin participation.
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Courier: Djokovic had a shoulder injury and we don't know what he knows
Novak had a shoulder injury. Thats why hes not playing. Novaks family owns this tournament in Athens. He also has responsibilities in that regard. So, his decision regarding Musetti could have an impact on the entire tournament. Im leaving a lot to what I dont know, and what I do know is that Djokovic has earned his right to be on the court and he also has the right to withdraw whenever he wants," Courier said on Tennis Channel.
"Thats my position. Im sure many people will say he shouldnt have done that. But we simply dont know what he knows. And unless youre in his shoes, I dont think you can make a truly fair judgment.
Djokovic is a record seven-time ATP Finals champion, but he has missed the last two editions of the season-ending tournament despite finishing in the top-8 in the Race in each of the last two seasons.
