Zverev Into Australian Open Final After Djokovic Retires Injured

After retiring in the semi-finals with a muscle tear, Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning the record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title were in jeopardy, according to Novak Djokovic.

The 37-year-old’s upper left leg was again heavily taped after hurting it in the quarter-finals and the Serb called it quits after losing the first set 7-6 (7/5) to Alexander Zverev.

As the German reached his first Melbourne final, Djokovic booed and received applause from the court.

“There is a chance. When asked if Djokovic might have graced the Melbourne Park courts once more, Djokovic replied, “Who knows”.

“I’ll just have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going. I’m not sure, though, whether or not my schedule will be revised for the following year.

“I’m usually interested in visiting Australia to play. Here, I’ve had the most success in my career. So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come, “he added.

” But there’s always a chance, yeah. “

Djokovic is currently the all-time leader after five Grand Slams, missing the one that Margaret Court needed to surpass.

He missed the US Open, where he last won for the first time in seven years in 2024, giving doubt whether he will ever pass Court.

His semi-final agony also deprived him of a 100th career title.

” I actually thought I played really well, as well as I played the last 12 months, to be honest, “he said of his tournament run.

If I was physically fit and prepared to fight, I liked my chances. I believe I did a great job of striking the ball. There are many advantages to my performance.

“I wish Sascha (Zverev) all the best. You know, he deserves his first Slam. I’ll be cheering for him”.

Boos for Djokovic

In Sunday’s showdown with American 21st seed Ben Shelton or world number one Jannik Sinner, Zverev will face off in a fight.

While the German has been a Grand Slam runner-up twice before, at last year’s French Open and the 2020 US Open, he has never before been to the final in Melbourne.

He lost to Daniil Medvedev in five sets the previous year, going into the semi-finals with a 2-0 lead.

After ending 2024 as the second-best player in the world, he returned to his best form with a horrific ankle injury and won more matches than anyone else. He ended the season, however, with renewed vigor.

Zverev claimed some fans were in poor form when they booed Djokovic off court.

In an on-court interview, Novak Djokovic stated that he has given the sport absolutely everything he has given up for the past 20 years.

“So please be respectful and really, really show some love for Novak as well”.

After receiving medical attention in his four sets against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic approached the match with concerns about his fitness.

However, he has repeatedly demonstrated remarkable recovery abilities throughout his career, which didn’t initially seem to be a hindrance.

In a first-service game that featured a 27-shot rally and four break points, the Serb made the move with his customary stance.

With both players blowing hot and cold, Zverev had to save three break points to keep the game at 2-2.

At 4-4, Djokovic barely managed to get 50% of his first serve in, which was another break point.

Zverev approached the German to shake hands before Djokovic scored a straightforward volley to give him the set in a close tiebreak.

Source: Channels TV