On the eve of the Australian Open 2025 semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, the former legends John McEnroe and Boris Becker did not spend too much sporting words towards the Serbian champion.
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Both almost questioned the real extent of his injury and sent a sort of message to Zverev, in view of the delicate appointment. The Belgrade native, however, withdrew at the end of the first set precisely because of the strong pain in his left leg.
In a press conference, the 37-year-old explained that he had suffered a torn muscle during the match won in the quarterfinals against Carlos Alcaraz and that the therapies he underwent in the two free days did not have the desired effects. The condition of the leg, at the end of the first set, forced Nole to withdraw in order not to further worsen the conditions.
When questioned by Serbian media about the statements of McEnroe and Becker, who was also one of his historic coaches, Djokovic said harshly: "I honestly have not read their comments in detail, but the only thing I will say is that it is much easier to criticize and judge than to understand. This is the lesson of my life."
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Zverev, the rival he faced in the semifinals, came to his defense. The Serbian champion in fact received a few too many boos when he left the Rod Laver Arena. An episode that the Happy Slam finalist did not like.
"The first thing I want to say is don't boo a player when he leaves the court because of an injury. I know you all paid for the ticket and you would have preferred to see a five-set battle, but you have to understand that Novak Djokovic is one of the players who has given his whole life to tennis in the last 20 years. He won this tournament with a torn abdominal and a torn hamstring. And if he can't continue playing, it means he can't continue playing," said Zverev.
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We recall Nole is seeking for the 25th Major and 100th title of his glorious career.
