Novak Djokovic booed off after retiring injured in Australian Open semi-final against Zverev

Novak Djokovic withdraws injured in Australian Open semi-final, ending his bid for an 11th title amid crowd boos.

Novak Djokovic was booed off the court by sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd after retiring injured during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

The Serbian, bidding for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and a 25th major crown, withdrew after losing the first set 7-6 (7-5). His left leg was heavily taped following a muscle tear sustained in Tuesday’s quarter-final win against Carlos Alcaraz.

"I did everything I possibly could do to manage the muscle tear that I had," said Djokovic, 37. "Towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain. It was too much to handle for me at the moment."

The seventh seed, visibly in discomfort, ended the match after 80 minutes of play. Following a missed volley on set point, he approached Zverev, shook his hand, and acknowledged the crowd with a double thumbs-up. Despite his gesture, boos were heard from some sections of the crowd.

Zverev, the tournament’s second seed, defended Djokovic during his post-match interview. "The very first thing I want to say is, please guys, don't boo when a player is injured," said Zverev. "Novak Djokovic has given absolutely everything to tennis. If he cannot continue this match, it means he really cannot continue."

The injury raises questions about Djokovic’s durability, though he has previously defied physical setbacks in Melbourne. He won the 2021 title after tearing an abdominal muscle and triumphed in 2023 with a 3cm hamstring tear.

Zverev, still chasing his first Grand Slam title after losing two previous major finals, advances to his first Australian Open final. He will face either top seed Jannik Sinner of Italy or 21st seed Ben Shelton of the United States.

Djokovic’s retirement follows days of speculation regarding his fitness. The Serb had skipped practice sessions since Tuesday and only warmed up briefly before the semi-final. Despite his reputation for overcoming injuries, the challenge against Zverev proved insurmountable.

For Zverev, the final represents a fresh opportunity to secure a maiden major title, while Djokovic's future at the Australian Open remains uncertain following this abrupt end to his campaign.