Novak Djokovic retired within the Australian Open semi-final towards Alexander Zverev. Novak skilled a hamstring damage towards Carlos Alcaraz within the quarter-final. The veteran endured that activity however couldn’t recuperate for the subsequent duel.
He misplaced the opening set towards Zverev within the tie break and retired at Majors for the primary time since 2019. Regardless of the latter truth, Djokovic’s damage and retirement raised feedback and speculations, as many occasions earlier than.
The Serb is probably the most embellished participant in Australian Open historical past, conquering ten titles at Rod Laver Enviornment between 2008 and 2023. Nevertheless, the gang booed the legend as he left one in all his favourite stadiums.
Toni Nadal addressed the gang’s response, acknowledging their disappointment. The Spaniard referred to as it comprehensible after they paid for tickets to witness an exciting conflict between two of the world’s greatest gamers.
Finally, whether or not you prefer it or not, that is his legacy.
In all probability his final match on his favorite courtroom, seemingly injured, and he will get out of there being booed.
Deported. Known as out. Booed. Djokovic in Australia.pic.twitter.com/qJmwCfFrx8
— Zain (@ItzzZain10) January 24, 2025
Nadal additionally highlighted a extra profound concern behind the awkward scenario. The well-known coach cited the rising skepticism surrounding Djokovic’s accidents and reactions earlier than the retirement. As Toni defined, the gamers give all the pieces in these high-stakes matches.
They often delay retiring till completely mandatory, usually taking part in via ache and discomfort. Toni highlighted the Serb’s recurring facial expressions and physique language, which have typically raised questions concerning the authenticity of his bodily points.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Based on Nadal, these indicators have led followers to doubt whether or not Novak is genuinely not able to proceed or if underlying methods are on the desk. Whereas Toni could be proper about some points with Novak’s accidents prior to now, the newest retirement doesn’t match in that narrative!
A day after his retirement, Djokovic revealed an MRI image that confirmed an obvious hamstring damage, silencing the “experts.” The 24-time Main winner gave all the pieces to recuperate between two matches. Novak defeated Carlos in 4 units due to medicine.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
He didn’t prepare on Wednesday and Thursday, along with his workforce doing all the pieces to organize him for the semi-final. Nevertheless, the veteran couldn’t endure elevated ache after the opening set, battling arduous however standing no probability in that situation.
Djokovic withdrew from this week’s Davis Cup and went residence to Belgrade. The 37-year-old will attempt to recuperate for the upcoming ATP 500 occasion in Doha and problem Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the title.
“We have to think about why there was such an outburst in the stands. I understand that the crowd showed disappointment after paying for a ticket to see a thrilling match that ended after 80 minutes.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The second and likely the more significant reason is a growing suspicion around Novak due to his expressions and actions that cast doubt over the authenticity of his injuries. When players experience physical issues in such an important match, they usually delay the decision to retire until the last moment.
They call for the physio, play a couple of games with limitations and retire when it becomes inevitable. We have often seen Novak with similar facial expressions and body language that opposed what we have seen from him on the court.
It raised doubts about the authenticity of his physical issues,” Toni Nadal stated.
