Djokovic Hints at Retirement After Australian Open Exit
Novak Djokovic hinted that his Australian Open semifinal loss to Alexander Zverev could mark the end of his career at the tournament, as he was forced to retire due to a muscle tear. The 37-year-old Serbian, who had been struggling with an injury to his upper left leg, was unable to continue after losing the first set 7-6 (7/5). The leg had been heavily taped throughout the tournament, following a similar issue in his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
As Djokovic left the court, the crowd offered a mix of boos and applause, while Zverev advanced to his first Melbourne final. When asked if this might have been his last Australian Open, Djokovic responded, “There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going, but whether I’ll have a revised schedule for the next year, I’m not sure.”
Despite the setback, Djokovic expressed his love for the tournament, saying, “I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. So, if I’m fit, healthy, and motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come back. But there’s always a chance.”
This injury cut short Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, leaving his quest for Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam victories in doubt. His last Grand Slam title came at the 2023 US Open, and with his exit from the semifinals in 2024, he has now gone five consecutive major tournaments without a victory—a streak he hasn’t experienced in seven years.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic was optimistic despite the loss. “I actually thought I played really well, as well as I have in the last 12 months. I liked my chances if I was physically fit and ready to battle. I think I was striking the ball very well. A lot of positives to take in terms of how I played,” he said.
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Djokovic also extended his best wishes to Zverev, expressing support for his opponent’s chances in the final. “I wish Sascha all the best. He deserves his first Slam. I’ll be cheering for him,” Djokovic added.
Zverev, who advanced to his first Australian Open final, will face either world number one Jannik Sinner or American 21st seed Ben Shelton. The German, who finished 2024 as world number two, has recovered impressively from a severe ankle injury and enters the final with renewed determination.
Zverev, visibly moved by the crowd’s reaction to Djokovic’s departure, addressed the boos, calling for greater respect for the Serbian’s remarkable career. “Novak Djokovic has given the sport absolutely everything for the past 20 years. Please show him some love,” Zverev urged in his on-court interview.
Despite Djokovic’s physical struggles, he put up a strong fight in the opening set. Both players exhibited moments of brilliance, with Zverev holding firm on crucial break points. The set ultimately went to a tiebreak, where Djokovic missed a simple volley, handing Zverev the first set and signalling the end of his match.
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://www.reuters.com/
