After his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic had received a lot of criticism from the local press regarding his adductor injury. In this regard, there had also been some insinuations from tennis legends who had questioned the extent of the Serbian legend's physical problem.
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The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not trained in the last two days and has done everything he can to be ready for the semifinal against Alexander Zverev. The current world number 7 played a good first set but lost it in the tiebreak, feeling that the pain was increasing and that he ran the risk of worsening the situation.
After missing an easy volley on set point, the 37-year-old from Belgrade stressed Sascha's hand and retired. When he left the iconic Rod Laver Arena, Nole had to take a lot of boos from the crowd that he certainly wouldn't have deserved and that certify how much more credit this champion should enjoy.
During his press conference, Djokovic who dreamed of winning his 25th Major title right here at Melbourne Park admitted that he had a muscle tear and that the pain had become very intense towards the end of the first set.
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Rennae Stubbs on Djokovic
The Serbian will focus on recovery and will try to return to action at the prestigious Doha ATP 500 in a few weeks.
Through his official X profile, Rennae Stubbs harshly criticized all those who booed Nole because of his retirement.
I dont care what u think of @DjokerNole love him or hate him. If U booed him off the court today, youre a disgrace. That man has literally left his heart & soul on that court. Hes our greatest champion Melbourne and hes injured! Think about what you just did. Disgraceful!! she wrote.
The former world number 1 was very sad in front of journalists and could not promise that he will participate in the next edition of the Australian Open in 2026, when he will be almost 39 years old.
