Zverev Into First Australian Open Final as Injured Djokovic Retires After 7-6(5) Set

Jan 24, 2025, 05:48 AM

Alexander Zverev advanced to his first Australian Open final after Novak Djokovic retired injured following the first set of their semifinal match. Zverev won the grueling opening set 7-6(5) in a tiebreaker that lasted 82 minutes. Djokovic, who had been struggling with a muscle tear in his left leg sustained in his quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz, withdrew immediately after losing the set. The Serbian world No. 1 had been seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, but his injury forced him to concede. The Melbourne crowd expressed disappointment, with some booing as Djokovic left the court, while Zverev asked the crowd to respect his opponent.