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(Photograph: Twitter)
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's recent performance at the 2025 Australian Open at the Rod Laver Arena of Melbourne Park has drawn significant attention, particularly following his retirement from the semifinal thriller against world number two Alexander Zverev on Jan 24. This decision arrived after a grueling quarter-final clash against Carlos Alcaraz, where the Serbian legend battled through grave injuries, contemplating retirement during the game due to pain in his left leg.
Zverev advances as Novak Djokovic retires from their match after losing the first set.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 24, 2025
Zverev is into his first Australian Open Final.
Sad for Novak to end his tournament like this.
Hoping to see him back and healthy soon. ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/8njoNbyNkx
In the semifinal thriller against the world number two, Djokovic's condition did not improve, forcing him to retire from the game. However, this decision was met with a mixed reaction from the fans at the Rod Laver Arena, where some tennis fans reportedly booed him as he said goodbye to them.
Despite the negative reaction from the fans, the Serbian ace acknowledged the support of his fans in Melbourne with a thumbs-up gesture as he left the court. This incident reflects the tensions between Novak Djokovic and certain segments of the crowd at Melbourne Park, which have been visible throughout his career.
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Watch the video here:
Novak Djokovic says goodbye to Rod Laver Arena after retiring from the semifinal against Zverev at Australian Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 24, 2025
Some of the crowd was booing him.
Novak puts his thumbs up.
pic.twitter.com/Cc17GT82fb
Alexander Zverev storms into the final after Novak Djokovic retires in semi-finals
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev storms into the final showdown after Novak Djokovic retires from the game. Earlier, Zverev thwarted Tommy Paul by 7-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-1 in the quarter-final of the 2025 Australian Open at the Rod Laver Arena of Melbourne Park on January 21. The Germany star has made it to the finals of the first Grand Slam of the year and is now just one win away from clinching the title. The star player is set to face the winner between Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner in the final game.