
Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title ended abruptly on Friday as the 37-year-old Serbian retired injured during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev. Djokovic, heavily taped on his upper left leg following a quarter-final injury, retired after losing a grueling first set 7-6 (7/5).
Key Highlights:
- Injury Concerns: Djokovic required medical attention during his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz and entered the semi-final with lingering fitness doubts.
- Set Summary: Despite showcasing his renowned resilience, Djokovic’s movement faltered during key moments, forcing his retirement after the first-set tiebreak.
- Missed Milestones: The loss denied Djokovic his 100th career title and extended his Grand Slam drought to five consecutive tournaments, leaving him tied with Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles.
Zverev’s Historic Run:
- Zverev, who finished 2024 as world number two, advances to his first Australian Open final. He will face either world number one Jannik Sinner or American Ben Shelton.
- After heartbreak in previous Grand Slams, including a semi-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev last year, Zverev enters the final with renewed confidence, having recovered from a severe ankle injury.
Crowd Reaction:
Djokovic’s exit was met with mixed reactions from the crowd, a reflection of both admiration for his legacy and disappointment at the abrupt conclusion of the highly anticipated match.
This setback raises questions about Djokovic’s ability to recover and surpass Court’s record as he inches closer to the twilight of his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Zverev eyes his maiden Grand Slam title as the tournament approaches its finale.