Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev battled in the first Australian Open semi-final. The crowd at Rod Laver Arena onlywitnessed80 minutes of tennis, asNovak droppedthe opening set and was forced to retiredue to a left leg injury.
ADVERTISEMENT
The ten-time winner received boos while leavingthe court where he lifted ten Major titles, and Zverev could not watch that without reaction. Visibly affected by the situation, theGerman asked the crowd to show respect toward every injured player, especially Novak!
While acknowledgingthe spectators' desireto see an extended match, Alexander emphasizedNovak's remarkable achievements at theAustralian Openand everything he has given to our sport in the last two decades.
Zverev also recalled Djokovic's recent injuries en route to two trophies in Melbourne. In light of this, he stood up forhis good friend and urgedthe crowd not to questionNovak's decision toretire.
The veteran injured his left leg against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday. Djokovic asked for a medical timeout after the ninth game of the opening set and fell 6-4 behind. Not giving up, Novak endure the struggle in the second set and brought it home to gain a boost.
The legend felt better when the medication started to work. He outplayed his young opponent in sets three and four en route to a notable win and his 50th Major semi-final at 37. Djokovic did not train on Wednesday and Thursday, focusing on his injury.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Serb and his team gave everything to overcome it by Friday, but that was not the case. Novak fought well against Alexander but felt increased pain toward the end of the opener. He lost it in 80 minutes following a volley winner at 5-6 in the tie break.
Djokovic decided to retire, not risking anything and avoidingmore serious issues.
"Please, guys, do not whistle a player when he goes out injured. You all paid for tickets and hoped to see a great five-setter. However, you must understand what Novak has given to our sport over the last 20 years.
He won this tournament with a torn abdomen and again when he struggled with a torn hamstring. If Novak can not continue a match, you know it's serious, so please be respectful and show some love to Novak," Alexander Zverev said.
