From correspondents in New York, United States, 06:32 PM IST

Spaniard Tommy Roberdo charged that Novak Djokovic played up his multitude of injuries during a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win into the quarter-final of the US Open.

The 15th seed said that the Serb - who complained of hip, ankle, breathing and stomach worries - milked his lack of fitness on the way to victory in three hours and 45 minutes.

'He was asking for a trainer, he was running like hell and he was making the shot,' said Roberdo, who fell to the court at one point drawing blood after chasing a ball.

'It's one thing if you fall down like I did. I had blood and it's normal that trainer gets in.

'But for having pain ... I had pain, all over my body because I think I run a lot more than him, and I said nothing.'

Robredo said he doubts the true nature of Djokovic's complaints: 'Do I trust him? No. He took his time because he was a little bit more tired and that's a part of the game.

'It helped him a lot.

'I was running like hell and my feet were burning but I say nothing, no? I think that if you're not fit enough, then don't play.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)