Djokovic's Australian Open Dream Ends in Injury as Zverev Advances to Final

2025-01-24

Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title came to an abrupt end at the Australian Open after he retired hurt from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev. The 10-time champion, who was visibly struggling with a groin injury sustained in his quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz, managed to play just one set before conceding the match. Zverev, who won the first set 7-6 (7-5), will now face world number one Jannik Sinner in the final.

Djokovic, 37, revealed he had been managing a muscle tear since his previous match and admitted the pain became unbearable during the first set. “I did everything I possibly could to manage the injury, but towards the end of the set, the pain was too much,” he said. The Serb, who was booed by some sections of the crowd as he left the court, expressed uncertainty about his future at the tournament, stating, “There is a chance this could be my last Australian Open. I’ll have to see how the season goes.”

Zverev, who is chasing his first Grand Slam title, defended Djokovic in his post-match interview, urging fans not to boo the injured player. “Novak has given everything to this sport for 20 years. You have to respect that,” he said. The German will now face Sinner, who overcame Ben Shelton in straight sets, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2, despite battling cramps in the third set.

Sinner, the defending champion, praised Shelton’s performance but acknowledged the importance of the first set. “It was a tough first set, but crucial. I’m happy with how I handled the pressure,” he said. The Italian, who has now won 20 consecutive matches, will aim to become the first player since Roger Federer in 2017 to win back-to-back Australian Open titles. Zverev, meanwhile, will be looking to finally break his Grand Slam duck after losing two previous finals.

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