“If he had…,” Spanish tennis great reveals what Novak Djokovic should have done to avoid the boos after his Australian Open retirement
Novak Djokovic retired from the Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev after losing the first set.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Former ATP Finals champion Alex Corretja claims that Novak Djokovic should have addressed the public after retiring from the Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev. The Serbian was unable to continue beyond the first set due to a muscle tear.
Djokovic and Zverev battled in the opening set, but the World No. 2 secured it after the 24-time Grand Slam champion missed a routine volley. Moments later, the tennis world was left in shock as Djokovic retired from the match.
I wouldn’t have asked Zverev to take the microphone when he broke his ankle against Nadal at Roland Garros (in 2022), but here the pain that Djokovic feels is not perceptible. I’m not saying that Novak Djokovic had to justify himself after his withdrawal but if he had explained to the public why he was doing it, he could have avoided the whistles.
Alex Corretja said in an interview with Relevo
Djokovic exited to a chorus of boos from the crowd at Rod Laver Arena. This reaction sparked mixed opinions from TV analysts and former players, with some criticizing the Australian fans for being disrespectful to a 10-time champion of the event.
However, many believed that the crowd was expressing frustration over not getting their money’s worth after the match ended prematurely. Djokovic has already confirmed that he will not participate in Serbia’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Denmark.
Novak Djokovic’s father urges him to take retirement
Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is in the twilight of his career. Following the retirements of his great rivals—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray—many people are questioning when the Serbian will step away from the sport. Among those questioning his future, the most notable is his own father.
I feel like people are already writing my tennis obituary. The media, the fans… and I don’t know if he’ll like me saying this, but I’ll say it anyway: the first one doing it is my father.
Novak Djokovic in an interview with GQ Sports
Djokovic’s father has been highly critical of players competing beyond their 30s. In the past, he has taken shots at Federer for continuing to play beyond the age of 35. The Swiss legend played until 2022, retiring at the Laver Cup at the age of 41.
My father has been trying to get me to retire for some time, but he hasn’t been insistent. He respects my decision to move forward and, of course, understands why I want to continue, but he says to me: ‘What else do you want to do?’ He understands the amount and intensity of the pressure and tension out there, and the stress that affects my health, my body, and consequently, everyone around me, including him. That’s why he told me: ‘My son, start thinking about how you want to end this.’
Novak Djokovic added
Meanwhile, Nadal played until he was 38, retiring from professional tennis last year. He played his final match in a Davis Cup tie against the Netherlands, where he lost in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Djokovic has faced several physical challenges. Last year, he withdrew from the Roland Garros quarterfinals due to a torn meniscus but made a remarkable recovery to reach the Wimbledon final and win Olympic gold. However, he has suffered further physical setbacks in 2025 at the Australian Open.
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Fahad Hamid
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