Novak Djokovic addresses the boos directed at him after his retirement from the Australian Open semifinals
Novak Djokovic has hinted that this could be the last Australian Open event that he has ever contested in his career.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via Screengrab/X)
Novak Djokovic spoke about the negative reaction he faced after retiring from his Australian Open semi-final. The 10-time champion played an 81-minute first set before leaving the court due to an injury, with some fans loudly booing as he waved goodbye.
The 37-year-old had already raised concerns about his fitness after his quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz. During that match, he had to leave the court to get his leg strapped. Djokovic admitted he was worried about his condition going into the semi-final.
I don’t know what to say. People have come, they paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn’t get. From that perspective, I can understand. I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to understand me.
Novak Djokovic said in his post-match press conference (H/T: Tennis Majors)
In his match against Alexander Zverev, Djokovic lost the first set in a tiebreak before retiring. He hugged the two-time ATP Tour Finals champion and left Rod Laver Arena as a section of the crowd jeered him. In his post-match interview, Zverev defended Djokovic, asking fans to show more respect.
I know how my body works, what I feel, and I know how much I’ve given to this tournament in the past 20-plus years. I will stop here, so that I don’t continue (speaking) in the wrong direction.
Novak Djokovic added
Djokovic later addressed the incident, saying he understood why fans might feel disappointed by his retirement. However, he felt they didn’t fully consider his circumstances or give him the benefit of the doubt. Despite this, he said he could see why the crowd reacted that way.
Novak Djokovic’s future after the Australian Open
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic‘s shocking retirement from the Australian Open semifinals has cast doubt on his future. Before the tournament, the Serbian star had stated his commitment to playing a full schedule in 2025.
After winning the Paris Olympic gold medal, Djokovic mentioned plans to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. However, those plans are now uncertain due to the recurring muscular injury he sustained during the Australian Open.
For now, Djokovic is set to play at the Qatar Open, where he is a two-time champion. His last victory in Doha was in 2017, when he defeated his current coach, Andy Murray, in the final.
Djokovic has yet to decide on his future with Murray as his coach. The British legend was signed on a short-term deal to work with the Serbian star until the end of the Australian Open, at a minimum.
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Fahad Hamid
(660 Articles Published)