Novak Djokovic's Australian Open Dream Ends Due to Injury
Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title came to an abrupt end on Friday as he retired from his semifinal against Alexander Zverev due to a left leg injury. The 37-year-old Serb, who was seeking his 25th Grand Slam title, lost the first set 7-6 (5) in an 81-minute battle before conceding the match, prompting boos from the Rod Laver Arena crowd. Djokovic, visibly struggling with a muscle tear sustained during his quarterfinal win over Carlos Alcaraz, waved to the fans with two thumbs-up as he exited the court.
Djokovic revealed that the pain in his leg worsened during the first set, making it impossible for him to continue. “I did everything I possibly could to manage the muscle tear that I had,” he said. “Medications, the strap, and the physio work helped to some extent today, but towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain. It was too much to handle.” He acknowledged that even if he had won the first set, the physical toll of a potential five-set match would have been insurmountable.
Zverev, who advanced to his first Australian Open final, defended Djokovic during his on-court interview, urging fans to show respect. “Please don’t boo a player when he goes out with an injury,” Zverev said. “Novak Djokovic has given this sport everything for the past 20 years. He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, with a hamstring tear. If he cannot continue, it means he really cannot continue.”
Djokovic’s retirement marks the second time in the past four Grand Slam tournaments that he has been forced to withdraw due to injury, following his exit from last year’s French Open with a knee issue. The Serb, who has dominated Melbourne Park with 10 titles, admitted uncertainty about his future at the Australian Open. “There is a chance this could be my last time here,” he said. “I’ll see how the season goes. I want to keep going, but I’ll have to assess my schedule.”
Zverev will face defending champion Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final, as the Italian defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets. Sinner, who won his first Grand Slam title at last year’s Australian Open, is on a 20-match winning streak and will be the favorite heading into the final. Meanwhile, Zverev, still chasing his maiden major title, will look to capitalize on his opportunity after falling short in two previous Grand Slam finals.
Djokovic’s injury raises questions about his longevity in the sport, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion remains determined. “I’ll keep striving to win more Slams,” he said. “As long as I feel I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around.”
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