Novak Djokovic could not chase his 11th Australian Open title this week. The 37-year-old experienced a tornmuscle in his left thighin the quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz and retired after losing the opening set of the semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev.
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Mighty disappointed, Novak hinted at a possible retirement this season if his body keeps bothering him. Djokovic is unsureif he will compete in Australia next year, although he will give everything to make another trip Down Under and seek more success.
The Serb claimed his first Major crown in Melbourne 17 years ago. He dominated at the Australian Open between 2011 and 2023, becoming the most decorated player in tournament's history. A year ago, Novak fell to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final.
He lost in the same round on Friday after a tight battle against world no. 2. Zverev prevailed in the first set, taking the tie break 7-5 and moving into the final afterDjokovic's retirement. The 24-time Major winner injured his right knee at last year's Roland Garros.
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Novak underwent surgery in Paris and recovered for Wimbledon and the Olympic Games. The veteran prevailed over Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic Games gold medal match, adding the missing puzzle to his GOAT mosaic.
Djokovic slowed down his engines and embraced a light schedule for the remaining months of the season. The Serb entered the 2025 campaign with Major crowns on his mind. However, he could not fight for the first after experiencing another physical setback.
Novak will try to recover and stick to his schedule ahead of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, which are his next big goals.
"I do not know if this is my last Australian Open. There is a chance for that. Who knows? I will have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going, but I can not tell more now. Next year, I might have a revised schedule, but I'm not sure.
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I like to come to Australia to compete, and my most significant results are linked to this event. If I'm fit, heatlhy and motivated, I do not see a reason why I would not compete in Melbourne in 2026. However, things can always change," Novak Djokovic said.
