Novak Djokovic Retires After Losing First Set 7-6(5); Zverev Reaches Australian Open Final

Jan 24, 2025, 05:15 AM

Novak Djokovic retired from his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev after losing the first set 7-6(5), which lasted 81 minutes, due to a left leg injury. The 10-time Australian Open champion had been struggling with the injury, which he sustained during his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic's withdrawal sends Zverev into his first Australian Open final and his third Grand Slam final overall. Some spectators booed Djokovic as he left the court, prompting Zverev to defend his opponent, saying, "Please, guys, don't boo a player when he goes out with injury. Novak has given everything of his life to the sport the last 20 years." Zverev will face the winner of the semi-final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and American Ben Shelton.