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

Novak Djokovic was booed off the court by some Australian Open fans after withdrawing from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending 11th title, finished after losing the first set 7-6 (7-5).

The 37-year-old Serb had his upper left leg heavily taped after injuring it in Tuesday’s quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz.

“I did everything I could possibly do to manage the muscle tear that I had,” said Djokovic, who was also aiming for an all-time standalone record of 25 major titles.

“Towards the end of the first set, I just started feeling more and more pain.

“It was too much for me to handle at the moment.”

After he hit a volley into the net on set point, seventh seed Djokovic immediately approached Zverev and shook hands after 80 minutes of play.

He waved to the crowd and gave them a double thumbs up, despite audible boos from some sections inside Rod Laver Arena.

“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 in the scrimmages for two, three, four hours,” Djokovic added.

“I don’t think I had that in mind today.”

German second seed Zverev is still bidding for his first Grand Slam title after twice losing in major finals.

In his first Australian Open final, he faces either Italian top seed Jannik Sinner or American 21st seed Ben Shelton.