It was supposed to be the stage for a classic showdown between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in Semifinals of the Australian Open. But what unfolded at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night was anything but expected. Djokovic, fighting an injured left leg, had already shown signs of discomfort, hobbling as the first set stretched into a tense tie-break. He lost it 7-6 (5), but what followed shocked the crowd. On set point, Djokovic missed a volley and, in an instant, knew it was over. He walked over to Zverev, shook his hand, and packed up his gear. But the silence that followed quickly turned into boos. Djokovic waved a thumbs-up to the jeering crowd, and he was gone. Visibly hurt by the early exit, Djokovic has now acknowledged the crowd.

“I don’t know what to say. People have come, they paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn’t get. From that perspective, I can understand. I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to understand me,” said 10 time Australian Open champion said to the Serbian Media.

“I know how my body works, what I feel, and I know how much I’ve given to this tournament in the past 20-plus years. I will stop here, so that I don’t continue (speaking) in the wrong direction,” he added, with a wry smile. This was not an isolated incident for the Serb at hard-courts of Melbourne this year.

The Serbian superstar faced jeers after defeating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) in the 4 round. What should have been a celebratory moment turned contentious as Djokovic opted out of his post-match interview, offering only brief gratitude to the crowd: “Thanks for being here tonight. I’ll see you in the next round.” The terse exit sparked loud boos in Melbourne Park. Later, Djokovic revealed his reasons for skipping an on-court interview, citing “disrespect” from Channel Nine sportscaster Tony Jones.

Novak Djokovic isn’t the only star to face the wrath of Melbourne crowds this year. Danielle Collins found herself in the crosshairs during a fiery Australian Open second-round clash with hometown favorite Destanee Aiava. Jeered after errors and taunted mid-match, Collins leaned into the hostility, blowing kisses and taunting the crowd WWE-style.

Well, for Novak Djokovic, his semifinal opponent, Alexander Zverev, weighed in, subtly criticizing the crowd’s lack of respect for Serb.

Alexander Zverev slams Australian Open crowd for Djokovic disrespect

The Serbian had entered the match despite battling a hamstring strain, fighting valiantly before conceding defeat. Zverev’s response wasn’t just about the moment—it was a call to respect a player who had shaped tennis for two decades.

“Please, guys, don’t boo a player who leaves the court due to injury. I know that everyone paid to be here and hopes to see a great five-set match. But you have to understand that Novak Djokovic has given his all to this sport for 20 years,” Zverev said courtside.

“There is no one I respect more on the tour than Novak. I have always been able to send him a message, call him when things were not going well. He has helped me a lot. Last year in Shanghai, when things were really not going well after the US Open, we talked for hours,” the German added.

Despite reaching the 50th Grand Slam semi-final of his career, Djokovic will be looking to make his 38th major final in the remaining Grand Slams of 2025. Now as one chapter closes, another opens: the Alexander Zverev chapter. Is this his moment?

The 27-year-old German has come close to cracking the Grand Slam scene in the past but lost out on securing his success. It goes without saying that 2024 French Open and 2020 US Open final were heartbreaking.

And now he finds himself on another clear precipice, about to wage war against defending champion Jannik Sinner, who is fresh off his semis win against Ben Shelton, the only American who made it to this far in Melbourne this year, for the title. Will this time Alexander Zverev reign supreme or is it the same old story? What do you reckon?