The Australian Open crowd found itself in the crosshairs of tennis legend John McEnroe, who unleashed a scathing critique after Novak Djokovic was booed off the court following his semifinal retirement against Alexander Zverev. The Serbian superstar cited a muscle tear in his left leg as the reason for his withdrawal after losing a grueling first-set tiebreak to the German in an 81-minute epic.
McEnroe Defends Djokovic: “This Man is a Warrior!”
McEnroe, never one to mince words, blasted the crowd’s reaction as “absolutely ludicrous,” reminding fans of Djokovic’s unmatched contributions to the tournament. Speaking on Nine, the seven-time Grand Slam champion passionately defended the 37-year-old.
“He’s won this 10 times. I mean, come on. Clearly, something was up. The guy is a battler. Him and Rafa have dug deeper than any two players I’ve seen. To boo him because he decided he couldn’t go on after what he’s done here? That’s absolutely ludicrous.”
McEnroe went further, labeling the scene “depressing,” as the boos overshadowed what could have been a moment of sympathy for one of the sport’s greatest players.
Zverev Pleads for Respect
World No. 2 Alexander Zverev also stood up for Djokovic during his on-court interview, urging the crowd to show respect.
“Please, guys, don’t boo a player who leaves the court due to injury,” Zverev implored, receiving applause from sections of the audience while others continued to jeer.
Zverev later expressed his admiration for Djokovic’s fighting spirit and reiterated that no player would walk off without a valid reason, especially someone of Djokovic’s caliber.
Djokovic Takes the High Road
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic displayed grace and understanding. While he admitted that the boos were disheartening, he recognized the fans’ perspective.
“I understand the crowd’s disappointment. They paid for their tickets and wanted to see a battle,” Djokovic explained. “But I hope some can also see my perspective—I’ve given my heart and body to this tournament for 20 years.”
The 10-time Australian Open champion revealed the extent of his injury—a muscle tear—clarifying that his decision to retire was far from casual.
The End of a Marathon Run
Djokovic’s remarkable history at Melbourne Park includes 10 titles and countless moments of grit and resilience. However, this semifinal marked his first retirement at the Australian Open and only his second ever at a Grand Slam since 2019. It’s a somber note for a player who has embodied perseverance throughout his illustrious career.
A Divided Fanbase
The incident has sparked heated debate among tennis fans. While some argued that ticket-buying spectators have a right to voice their frustration, others criticized the lack of empathy for a legend who has delivered unparalleled entertainment on this very stage.
McEnroe’s call for understanding and respect serves as a reminder of Djokovic’s immense contributions to tennis—a legacy that should command admiration, even in moments of disappointment.
