Curious about Novak Djokovic’s unexpected mid-match retirement and the boos that followed during the Australian Open semifinal? The tennis legend, forced to leave the court due to injury, faced an uncharacteristic reaction from the crowd as he exited. With limited details about the extent of his condition, questions loom over his future and the circumstances surrounding the moment.
Let’s dive into what unfolded, the implications for Novak Djokovic and the tournament, and how fans and players have responded to the boos and the dramatic turn of events.
Novak Djokovic’s injury forced him to retire in Australian Open match
On January 24, 2025, Novak Djokovic retired from his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev due to a torn muscle in his left leg.
Djokovic dropped the first set 7-6(5) and conceded the match, shaking hands with Zverev as boos echoed from the crowd. The injury, first sustained during his quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz, worsened during the semifinal despite medication and physiotherapy.
In his post-match comments, Djokovic acknowledged the severity of the injury: “Towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain, and it was too much for me to handle.” Zverev, who expressed admiration for Djokovic’s contributions to tennis, urged the crowd to respect the 10-time Australian Open champion. “If he cannot continue a tennis match, it really means he cannot continue,” Zverev emphasized.
This marks the second major tournament in a year where Djokovic retired due to injury, following his withdrawal from the 2024 French Open. Despite these setbacks, the 37-year-old reiterated his intention to continue competing: “I’ll keep striving to win more Slams. Australia will always stay in my head and heart as the best Slam I’ve ever played.”
Zverev, who reached his first Australian Open final, noted Djokovic’s struggles in the tiebreaker. He described the match as physically demanding. The second seed will face either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in Sunday’s final. Zverev is aiming to win his first Grand Slam title.
Although the match ended in disappointment for Djokovic, his legacy remains secure. His determination to overcome challenges continues to showcase his lasting impact on the sport.
