Djokovic retires, booed in Australian Open semis; Zverev in finals
Novak Djokovic retires and was booed in his Australian Open semifinal match on Friday that allowed Alexander Zverev to reach the final.
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DJOKOVIC RETIRES, BOOED BY ANGRY AUSTRALIAN OPEN CROWD
Djokovic retires in his semifinal after Zverev took the opening set, 7-6 (7-5).
Furthermore, the Serbian 24-time Grand Slam winner complained of a muscle tear in his left leg.
Moreover, Djokovic endured 81 minutes in the first set, including tiebreak, before he shook Zverev’s hand at center court and conceded the match.
“I did everything I possibly can to manage the muscle tear that I had. It was getting worse and worse,” the Serbian said.
“I don’t think I had that, unfortunately, today in the tank. Unfortunate ending, but I tried,” he added.
‘NOLE’ BOOED BY ROD LAVER ARENA CROWD; SERBIAN RESPONDS WITH TWO THUMBS UP
Moreover, the player also known as “Nole” was booed by angry fans at the Rod Laver Arena expecting a long and epic showdown.
Furthermore, Djokovic stressed that he would have still quit the match even if he took the opening set.
“Medications and the strap and the physio work helped to some extent today, (but) towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain,” the former world No.1 said.
“I don’t think I had that, unfortunately, today in the tank,” he added.
ZVEREV DEFENDS FALLEN RIVAL, ASKS FANS FOR ‘SOME RESPECT’
Zverev defended his fallen rival after the match during the post-match interview.
Furthermore, the German world No.2 addressed the fans and requested them to “show some respect” to Djokovic.
“The very first thing I want to say is, please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury,” Zverev said.
“He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, won this tournament with a hamstring injury. So please show some respect,” he added.
The German understood fans wanted “hopefully, a five-set match” as they got high-paid tickets but he sought for understanding.
SERBIAN TO STILL SEEK MORE SLAMS; DOHA STINT UNCERTAIN
Furthermore, the Serbian assured fans that he will still seek to play in more Grand Slam tournaments in the future despite his latest injury.
Moreover, Djokovic will consult his medical team to determine his next move.
He is aware that he is schedule next to play in Doha but uncertainty clouds his next stint.
“Whether I’m going to play that or not, it really does depend on how quickly I recover,” Djokovic said.
“I’ll keep striving to win more Slams and as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around,” he added.
Zverev now awaits the winner of the other semifinal between Italian defending champion Jannik Sinner against American Ben Shelton for his opponent in the final.
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