Novak Djokovic shockingly withdraws from Australian Open semi-finals after 1st set; Zverev, Melbourne crowd in disbelief | Tennis news

On January 24, 2025By Littum

24 Jan 2025 11:03 IST

Novak Djokovic’s movement looked severely hampered in the first set and he seemed to collect points quickly so he didn’t have to run much.

In a shock move, Novak Djokovic pulled out of his Australian Open 2025 semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Friday. Unfortunately, the Serbian ace had to retire after the first set, which he lost 6(5)-7(7), due to an injury.

Novak Djokovic acknowledges the applause as he leaves the court after withdrawing from the men's singles semi-final against Alexander Zverev.(AFP) — Novak Djokovic acknowledges the applause as he leaves the court after withdrawing from the men’s singles semi-final against Alexander Zverev.(AFP)

Djokovic was visibly in pain during his quarter-final win against Carlos Alcaraz but fell victim to accusations that he was playing tricks to trap his opponent. Djokovic even canceled his training sessions before the semi-finals and is reportedly suffering from a hamstring injury. The Serbian reportedly had a last-minute training session with Andy Murray 90 minutes before his match on Friday to take a call.

Novak Djokovic’s injury visible in the first set

Djokovic showed up for his semi-final clash against Zverev, meaning he and his coaching staff felt he was fit enough to continue his pursuit of a record-extending Australian Open 2025 title. But it wasn’t meant to be as his movements looked severely hampered in the first set and he seemed to rack up points quickly so he didn’t have to run much. His decision to retire after the first set left Zverev and the Rod Laver crowd stunned and dismayed.

Fans started booing Djokovic as he walked towards the dressing room and he simply responded with a thumbs up. The Serbian had injured his left leg against Alcaraz and it finally looked like he wasn’t acting. Meanwhile, Zverev had to step in during his courtside interview and pacify the crowd. He urged fans not to boo a legend like Djokovic.

The German star is a two-time Grand Slam runner-up, he will take on the winner of Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton in the final. The men’s final is scheduled for Sunday and the women’s final will take place on Saturday. In the women’s final, world no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces USA’s Madison Keys in Melbourne and will seek to become the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.