In a surprising turn of events at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic was forced to withdraw from his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev due to a recurring thigh injury. After losing the first set in a tightly contested tie-break, Djokovic's condition worsened, leading to his retirement from the match.
Djokovic expressed his disappointment during an impromptu press conference, revealing that he had been uncertain about his ability to compete until shortly before the match. Despite extensive treatment and support from his physiotherapist, the pain became unbearable after the first set, leaving him unable to continue.
As Djokovic exited the court, he faced mixed reactions from the audience, with some fans applauding while others expressed their displeasure through boos. Zverev, who advanced to the final, voiced his disappointment over the crowd's reaction, emphasizing Djokovic's dedication to the sport over the past two decades.
Looking ahead, Djokovic plans to return to Europe for further medical evaluations, with hopes of participating in the upcoming Doha tournament. He praised Zverev, calling him a talented friend, and expressed his determination to continue pursuing his dreams in tennis.