Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic booed after retiring against Alexander Zverev in semi-finals

From the moment Djokovic lunged for a drop shot towards the end of the first set against Alcaraz and immediately grimaced at his box, there have been questions about his fitness.

Djokovic, as he has on countless occasions in his stellar career, somehow managed to defy the injury to claim a remarkable victory against the 21-year-old.

But doubts remained about how equipped he would be to play Zverev.

“I knew even though I won the first set that it’s going to be a huge uphill climb for me to stay physically fit enough to stay with him,” Djokovic added.

“I don’t think I had that in mind.”

Djokovic had not practiced at Melbourne Park since Tuesday night’s win and canceled a planned hit on Thursday before spending an hour warming up on court shortly before the semi-final.

Djokovic did not practice between matches during his 2023 title run and later revealed he had a three centimeter tear in his hamstring.

He also won the 2021 title despite tearing an abdominal muscle in the third round.

“The very first thing I want to say is, please guys, don’t boo when a player gets hurt,” Zverev said, addressing the crowd in his on-court interview.

“I know everyone paid for tickets and wants to see a five-set match, but you have to understand Novak Djokovic is someone who has given absolutely everything to tennis.

“He’s won this title with an abdominal tear, he’s won this title with a hamstring tear.

“If he can’t continue this fight, it means he really can’t continue.”

Former Australian player John Millman, who worked at Melbourne Park as a television commentator, said the crowd’s reaction showed a “total lack of respect”.

He added in a post on X: “Novak being booed off is a shame. Classless.”