Novak Djokovic exited Rod Laver Arena to a backlash of boos after abruptly ending his Australian Open journey a set into his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev.
Questions about the Serbian’s fitness arose until he appeared on the court after sustaining a left leg injury during his quarter-final match with Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
Djokovic did not train at the venue on Wednesday and then called off a practice session on Thursday, only warming up briefly prior to the match.
The 37-year-old sported significant bandaging on his thigh yet seemed to be moving effectively, racing to the net in the initial game after a Zverev shot grazed the net.
A cautious match featuring extended rallies allowed both players to create break opportunities, as Zverev failed to convert five break points in two games but managed to recover from 0-40 in the fourth game.
The tie-break was very close until Djokovic missed an easy volley at 5-6, giving Zverev the set after 80 minutes.
It appeared that the match was only beginning, yet Djokovic went directly to Zverev to shake hands before exiting the court amid a blend of boos and applause.
The German, competing in his third grand slam final as he seeks his first title, quickly defended his opponent, stating: “The first thing I want to express is please don’t boo a player when he has to retire due to injury.”
I understand that everyone bought tickets, but Novak Djokovic is someone who has dedicated his entire life to this sport for the last 20 years.
“He triumphed in his tournament with an abdominal strain, claimed victory in this tournament with a hamstring injury; if he believes he cannot proceed in a tennis match, he cannot continue a tennis match.”
Zverev acknowledged he was just as shocked as the audience when Djokovic gave up, stating: “I believed it was a very high quality first set.” Certainly, the longer you persist, the more it might deteriorate, and perhaps he wasn’t performing as effectively in the tie-break.
“Naturally, I’m pleased to reach the final of the Australian Open, but conversely, there isn’t anyone on the tour I hold in higher regard than Novak.” Whenever I faced difficulties, I could reach out to him and seek his guidance. “I hoped it would be a challenging five-set match too.”
Djokovic’s exit signifies an early conclusion to his initial tournament with coach Andy Murray, and it is yet to be determined if the partnership will persist.
