Novak Djokovic explains his Australian Open retirement

Novak Djokovic couldn’t struggle for his eleventh Australian Open title! The Serb injured his left leg within the quarter-final duel in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz and retired versus Alexander Zverev after the opening set of the semi-final conflict.

Talking concerning the harm, Novak cited a muscle tear in his left leg that compelled him to retire at a Main for the primary time for the reason that 2019 US Open. Djokovic requested for a medical timeout within the closing phases of the opening set in opposition to Alcaraz.

The 37-year-old struggled within the second set as effectively however introduced it dwelling. The remedy began to work, and Novak felt higher on the courtroom, toppling the younger gun in 4 units after three hours and 37 minutes. Nevertheless, issues didn’t look vivid for the ten-time winner forward of the semi-final!

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Novak didn’t hit a ball on Wednesday and Thursday, working along with his staff and attempting to cut back the injury. The legend fought effectively within the opening set in opposition to world no. 2, saving all 5 break factors and remaining aggressive.

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

The set went right into a tie break, and Djokovic’s situation worsened. He endured for 80 minutes earlier than netting a volley at 5-6, sending Zverev in entrance and leaving the courtroom. Novak would have tried to proceed had he received the opener.

Nevertheless, contemplating the elevated ache, it could have been a Sisyphean job. Thus, Djokovic ended his Australian Open marketing campaign within the semi-final for the second straight 12 months. The veteran will return to Europe and attempt to recuperate forward of the ATP 500 occasion in Doha.

“I beat Carlos on Tuesday and did not hit a ball until an hour before my match against Alexander. I did everything in my power to control the muscle tear with medication, protection and physiotherapy work.

However, the pain increased towards the end of the first set, becoming too much to deal with. I would have tried to continue if I had won the first set. However, the injury was getting worse during the more energetic exchanges.

Thus, it was impossible to stay on the court longer. I thought two days of rest would be enough, but that was not the case,” Novak Djokovic stated.