The Rod Laver Arena was left in shock as Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and 10-time Australian Open king, retired mid-match after a grueling first set against Alexander Zverev. The electrifying semifinal was shaping up to be another classic Djokovic battle, but the Serbian superstar walked off the court after Zverev edged him in a nail-biting tiebreak, 7-6 (7-5).
What Happened?
The first set was a showcase of high-level tennis, with both players holding serve in a tightly contested battle. Neither Djokovic nor Zverev conceded a break point, pushing the set to a tense tiebreak. At 5-5 in the breaker, Zverev capitalized on a rare Djokovic error—a misfired forehand into the net—and secured the set, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats.
But then, in an unprecedented turn, Djokovic approached Zverev for a handshake, signaling his retirement from the match. The announcement stunned the Melbourne crowd, many of whom had braved the heat to witness a potential five-set thriller.
Signs of Trouble?
Djokovic’s abrupt exit raised eyebrows, especially since he showed no visible signs of distress during the set. Although he had previously mentioned thigh discomfort in his quarterfinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz, the Serbian looked physically fine throughout his clash with Zverev. His performance was solid, and he matched Zverev’s intensity, leaving no immediate hint that something was wrong.
What’s Next?
Djokovic’s retirement hands Alexander Zverev a ticket to his third Grand Slam final. The German, who has battled his own injuries and setbacks in recent years, now has a chance to claim his maiden major title. He will face the winner of the other semifinal between Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner, both of whom are gunning for their first Grand Slam final appearance.
As for Djokovic, the tennis world awaits an update on the reason behind his retirement. Fans and analysts are left speculating—was it the lingering thigh injury, an unforeseen illness, or something entirely different?
A Tournament of Twists
This shocking turn of events adds another dramatic chapter to an already unpredictable Australian Open. With Djokovic out, the tournament is now guaranteed a new champion—something the sport hasn’t seen at Melbourne Park since Stan Wawrinka’s 2014 triumph.
Stay tuned for updates on Djokovic’s condition and the thrilling conclusion to what has been a rollercoaster Australian Open!