Novak Djokovic faced an uncharacteristically harsh reception from some sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd after retiring injured from his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
The 37-year-old Serbian star, aiming for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam crown, withdrew following a grueling first set, which he lost 7-6 (7-5). Djokovic, who had heavily taped his upper left leg after sustaining a muscle tear during his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz, appeared visibly hampered throughout the contest.
“I did everything I possibly could to manage the muscle tear,” Djokovic said post-match. “But towards the end of that first set, the pain became unbearable.”
Djokovic’s decision to retire came as a surprise to the 15,000-strong crowd. Audible boos rang out as the former world number one shook hands with Zverev and waved to the audience, offering a double thumbs-up despite their reaction.
Speaking to Serbian media about the crowd’s response, Djokovic expressed understanding but admitted to feeling disappointed. “People paid for tickets expecting a great match, which they didn’t get. I understand their frustration, but I’m not sure if they understand mine.”
Zverev, the German second seed, will now face defending champion and world number one Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final. The Italian booked his place in the championship match with a straight-sets victory over Ben Shelton earlier in the day.
‘Don’t Boo an Injured Player,’ Says Zverev
During his on-court interview, Zverev addressed the crowd’s reaction, defending Djokovic’s decision to retire.
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“Please, don’t boo when a player is injured,” Zverev said. “Novak has given everything to tennis. He has played and won here with serious injuries before. If he cannot continue, it means he truly cannot.”
Former Australian player and television commentator John Millman echoed Zverev’s sentiments, calling the crowd’s reaction “a total lack of respect” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A Legacy of Defying Injury
Djokovic’s career is punctuated by remarkable triumphs over adversity. In 2021, he clinched the Australian Open title despite tearing an abdominal muscle in the third round. Two years later, he won again while battling a hamstring tear.
However, this year’s injury appeared insurmountable. Djokovic revealed that he had not practiced between his quarter-final victory over Alcaraz and Friday’s semi-final, citing the need for recovery.
“I knew even if I won the first set, it would be an uphill battle to stay physically fit enough to compete,” Djokovic admitted.
Despite his struggles, Zverev praised Djokovic’s efforts, noting the high level of play in the opening set. “We had long, physical rallies, and I didn’t notice he was struggling much until the tie-break,” said the German, still in pursuit of his first Grand Slam title after two previous final losses.
What’s Next for Djokovic?
Djokovic’s future at the Australian Open remains uncertain. While he has previously pushed through severe injuries, his withdrawal this year raises questions about how much longer he can sustain his pursuit of greatness.
For now, fans will watch as Zverev and Sinner battle for the 2025 Australian Open title, but the memory of Djokovic’s early exit—and the controversial reaction it provoked—will linger long after the final serve.
