Melbourne, January 23, 2025 – Tennis legend Novak Djokovic faced a disappointing and controversial end to his Australian Open campaign after retiring during the semifinal match against Alexander Zverev.
The 37-year-old Djokovic withdrew following the first set, citing a muscle tear in his left leg that worsened during the grueling 81-minute opener. Zverev, 27, claimed the first set in a tiebreak before Djokovic signaled he could no longer continue.
However, what caught everyone’s attention was the reaction of the Rod Laver Arena crowd. As Djokovic left the court, the audience responded with boos, despite the 24-time Major champion acknowledging them with two thumbs up.
Injury Concerns Persist
Djokovic revealed that the injury had initially flared up during his quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz on January 21. “I did everything I possibly can to manage the muscle tear that I had,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference.
“Medications, strapping, and physio work helped to some extent,” he added. “But towards the end of the first set, I started feeling more and more pain. It became too much to handle.”
Djokovic acknowledged that even if he had won the first set, his physical condition wouldn’t have allowed him to sustain the intensity required for the remaining sets. “I tried, but it was going to be a huge uphill battle to stay in rallies for another two, three, or four hours,” he said.
Zverev Defends Djokovic
Zverev, who now advances to the final to face defending champion Jannik Sinner, addressed the crowd’s reaction during his on-court interview.
“The very first thing I want to say is, please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury,” Zverev said. “He has won this tournament before with injuries—an abdominal tear, a hamstring injury. Please show some respect.”
The German star emphasized the dedication and resilience Djokovic has displayed throughout his career and reminded fans of the sacrifices players make to compete at this level.
A Historic Legacy Continues
Djokovic’s withdrawal marks the end of his quest for an 11th Australian Open title. The Serbian holds the record for the most Major titles won by a men’s player with 24, ahead of Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20).
While the Australian Open crowd’s reaction may have sparked debate, Djokovic’s legacy as one of the greatest players in tennis history remains intact. His dominance on the court, particularly in Melbourne, has set a benchmark few can match.
As Zverev prepares for Sunday’s final against Sinner, Djokovic will now turn his focus to recovery and the rest of the 2025 season. Fans will eagerly await his return, hoping to see the tennis icon chase more records in the near future.
