Novak Djokovic has hit back at suggestions from former coach Boris Becker that he was still carrying mental demons from his US Open disqualification.
Facing the same opponent as his New York implosion on Wednesday, Pablo Carreno Busta, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm and had to receive treatment on his neck and shoulder before winning his French Open quarter-final 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
Becker questioned on commentary whether the world No1 was still struggling mentally from the effects of his US Open expulsion.
But Djokovic said: “No, no, it wasn’t that at all. It was something else. I told you guys many times I’m over it. I’m not thinking about it at all. I mean zero percent.”
Of his injury problems, he added: “I had some neck issues and some shoulder issues. I’ll just say that. I don’t want to get really too much into it.
"Obviously, I’m still in the tournament so I don’t want to reveal too much. I’m feeling ok.”
The injury problems raised question marks about his chances for the rest of the tournament. He takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas in Friday's semi-final with Rafael Nadal, bidding for a 13th French Open title, the likely opponent should he make the final.
Despite the issue, Djokovic said he was hopeful he would recover in time to challenge for his 18th Grand Slam title and only his second at Roland Garros, having previously won in 2016.
He said: “As the match progressed, I warmed up my body and the pain kid of faded away. It allowed me to play better and better and feel better.
"I’m hopefully going to be able to feel my best and play my best.”
