Alexander Zverev moved into his first Australian Open final after Novak Djokovic retired one set into their semifinal clash, 7-6 (5).
The former world No. 1 took the court with his left thigh heavily strapped, having taken a medical time out and sparking injury concerns during his quarterfinal win against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
The sudden turn of events left fans on Rod Laver Arena stunned and confused, with Djokovic’s retirement met with boos and reluctant applause as the 10-time champion left the court.
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“The very first thing I want to say is please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury,” Zverev told the crowd during his on-court interview with Jim Courier.
“You gotta understand, Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given the sport absolutely everything for the last 20 years in his life.
“He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, he has won this tournament with a hamstring tear. If he cannot continue a tennis match, it means that he cannot continue a tennis match. Please be respectful and show some love to Novak as well.”
Zverev, the No. 2 seed, awaits the winner between world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 21 seed Ben Shelton. He will be contesting his third Grand Slam final, having finished runner-up at the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open.
“I lost twice in a fifth set… so I’ve had my tough losses,” Zverev said. “I think it’s time for me to have some luck in a Grand Slam final as well.”
More to follow…
