World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been under scrutiny for his actions during his Wimbledon quarterfinal match against Jannik Sinner as a video has surfaced where the player can be seen inhaling contents from a water bottle.
Before doing so, Novak Djokovic looks across towards his support crew, as he was seen repeatedly gesturing about the bottle. Though it is still unclear what are the contents of the bottle, Djokovic is reportedly one of many players who are set to use unmixed energy supplements and isotonic powders during his matches. Djokovic comfortably won that game and is set to face Nick Kyrigos in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
As reported by the English Media, a source from the AELTC club said, “You wouldn’t really get any benefit from doing it mid-match, but I’m sure this is isotonic,” said the source. “A lot of players have started eating powder, even pre-workout isotonic powder. They’ve started eating it without water. It’s mainly pre-workout stuff because it gives them a buzz. I imagine it’s disgusting in the throat. It’s weird, but it’s what they are doing.”
Novak Djokovic faced similar allegations at the Australian Open in 2022, when he guzzled contents out of a water bottle in a similar style but last time he used a drinking straw. When asked about it at the time, Novak Djokovic joked, “The liquids were magic potions that my physio prepares in the lab. That’s all I can say.”
What is in the bottle? I swear he inhales it. #Djokovic #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Xj1wYXlUYx
— ieup (@ieuanNo9) July 3, 2022
Similarly, tennis fans on Twitter also called out Novak Djokovic for this incident.
Check out some of the reactions here:
It's smelling salt solution to clear the respiratory system
— mystiq (@mystiq21597072) July 3, 2022
I was wondering exactly the same thing. Clearly not a liquid in the bottle and some kind of gas when you look at the rate he squeezes the bottle. It’s inhaled vs drunk. I thought smelling salts were supposed to be inhaled through the nose to get the effect not through the mouth?
— Mark Handford (@markhandford1) July 3, 2022
Yeah, yes… Secretly inhaled in front of 10,000 spectators on Central Court and a TV audience of millions + director of Wimbledon, officers, judges, security, ball collectors…??
— dudami (@dudami1) July 7, 2022
Obviously helium. Didn't you see him fly after that sliding backhand? ?
— Mister No (@pedjizzzza) July 6, 2022
Definitely inhaling something
— RichieTHFC?? (@RichieSmitZa) July 6, 2022
