Novak Djokovic couldn’t chase his eleventh Australian Open title this week. The 37-year-old skilled a torn muscle in his left thigh within the quarter-final towards Carlos Alcaraz and retired after dropping the opening set of the semi-final conflict with Alexander Zverev.
Mighty dissatisfied, Novak hinted at a attainable retirement this season if his physique retains bothering him. Djokovic is uncertain if he’ll compete in Australia subsequent yr, though he’ll give every thing to make one other journey Down Underneath and search extra success.
First, he’s accused of “faking an injury” for the billionth time. Then, he’s booed for retiring mid-match whereas clearly being in ache and closely strapped.
All of this at a Grand Slam he has received TEN occasions.
Disgraceful. Novak Djokovic actually is just too good for tennis typically pic.twitter.com/Rnka5vH3aQ
— Srihari 🍉 (@haddockovic) January 24, 2025
The Serb claimed his first Main crown in Melbourne 17 years in the past. He dominated on the Australian Open between 2011 and 2023, changing into essentially the most embellished participant in event’s historical past. A yr in the past, Novak fell to Jannik Sinner within the semi-final.
He misplaced in the identical spherical on Friday after a good battle towards world no. 2. Zverev prevailed within the first set, taking the tie break 7-5 and shifting into the ultimate after Djokovic’s retirement. The 24-time Main winner injured his proper knee finally yr’s Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Novak underwent surgical procedure in Paris and recovered for Wimbledon and the Olympic Video games. The veteran prevailed over Carlos Alcaraz within the Olympic Video games gold medal match, including the lacking puzzle to his GOAT mosaic.
Djokovic slowed down his engines and embraced a light-weight schedule for the remaining months of the season. The Serb entered the 2025 marketing campaign with Main crowns on his thoughts. Nonetheless, he couldn’t struggle for the primary after experiencing one other bodily setback.
Novak will attempt to get well and follow his schedule forward of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, that are his subsequent huge targets.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
“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.
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 stated.
