Novak Djokovic is cheating? Does he dope? These are the accusations launched on social networks since the semi-final of the Master 1,000 Paris-Bercy. The Serbian tennis player faced Tsitsipas, whom he beat 2 sets to 1. But a video of the sports team disturbed the fans. We see several people in the front rows in the stands preparing a mixture in a gourd. It is then transmitted to a ball collector, to be given to Djokovic.
What bothered Internet users was all the mystery surrounding this supposed drink. “Why are they hiding like this if they’re not doing anything illegal?” “, ask some. “Novak couldn’t take the drink directly with him?” “, intrigues another. What is it really ? 20 minutes make the point.
FAKE OFF
“Of course we have all prepared recovery drinks or effort drinks during matches”, confides to RMC Sport Antoine Miquel, physiotherapist and osteopath who worked on the ATP Tour. And to add: “As a physio, we often have the responsibility. And of course with authorized and buffered anti-doping products chosen with the agreement of the doctors. That’s why I don’t understand the controversy. »
The practice is therefore very widespread, but it is rather the attitude of the player’s staff that disturbs the fans. Indeed, on the video, well shot during the semi-final, we see in the stands Ulises Badio, the player’s physiotherapist, grabbing a bottle of water and mixing ingredients, surrounded by other staff members trying to hide the maneuver. . Badio then passed the mixture to a ball girl, who in turn handed it to Djokovic.
And from a legal point of view, the team has nothing to be ashamed of. “Transmitting elements to players from the stands to the field is authorized, as long as the referee is informed”, confirms to 20 minutes the organization of the tournament.
Why so much mystery then? Novak Djokovic is known for his very strict gluten-free diet. On the Wimbledon tournament this summer, the champion had already fueled speculation by absorbing the contents of a gourd. He had given the impression of inhaling the product rather than drinking it. Asked by the media, the player had spoken ironically of a “magic potion”.
According The Telegraph, the Serbian tennis player opted for unmixed energy supplements or isotonic powder, which contain a lot of sodium. The reason: a high sodium content which partly compensates for the effects of perspiration. No regulation prohibits this type of drink which is even frequently consumed by sportsmen.