Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title ended unexpectedly at the Australian Open after he retired from his semifinal match due to a left leg injury.
Djokovic was facing world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in Melbourne on Friday, and the match had been closely contested, with both players exchanging points during the first set. Djokovic, however, appeared to be struggling with his left leg throughout, though he managed to push the match into a first-set tie-break. He ultimately lost 7-6 (5) after a tough one hour and 21 minutes of play.
The Rod Laver Arena crowd was left in shock as the two players shook hands and embraced at the net. Djokovic waved to the audience as he exited the court, with some fans booing him, while Zverev sat stunned on the bench at the surprising outcome.
Zverev, addressing the crowd, asked them not to boo Djokovic for retiring due to injury. “I know everyone wants to see a long match, but you have to understand that Novak has dedicated the past 20 years of his life to this sport. He has won this tournament with serious injuries before, and if he cannot continue, it’s because he truly can’t. Please be respectful and show some love for Novak,” Zverev said.
Djokovic reached the Australian Open semifinals after a hard-fought four-set battle with Carlos Alcaraz, during which he had to take a medical timeout due to what seemed to be an upper leg injury.
“I didn’t hit the ball since the Alcaraz match until about an hour before today’s match,” Djokovic explained after the game. “I did everything I could to manage the muscle tear I had.”
He went on to say, “Medications, the strap, and physiotherapy helped to some extent today, but as the first set went on, the pain became unbearable. It was just too much for me to handle. It’s an unfortunate ending, but I gave it my all.”
When asked if winning the first set would have made him continue, the 10-time Australian Open champion said that although he might have tried to play a bit longer, the injury only worsened. He added, “Even if I had won the first set, I knew it would be an uphill battle to stay physically fit for the long rallies over the next two, three, or four hours. I didn’t have that in me today.”
Djokovic, who was aiming to claim an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam to surpass Margaret Court’s record, didn’t rule out returning to the tournament next year. “I don’t know, there’s a chance, who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes,” he said about whether this could be his last Australian Open. “I want to keep playing, but I’m not sure if I’ll adjust my schedule for next year. I’ve had the most success here in Australia, so if I’m fit, healthy, and motivated, I don’t see why I wouldn’t come back.”
With the victory, Zverev advanced to his first-ever Australian Open final and will now compete for his first Grand Slam title. He will face the winner of the other semifinal between Ben Shelton and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.