The worst that could happen to Novak Djokovic, has happened. The indomitable Serb’s run at the ongoing Australian Open came to a crashing halt earlier today in his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev. Djokovic was performing quite well as the match started off, but the German went toe-to-toe and clinched the first set 7(7)- 6(5). When the stadium expected Djokovic to return with a bang in the second set, he decided to retire from the Slam. Now a big question lingers: what influenced the former ATP number one to retire when he was so close to winning his 25th, and surpassing a record?

In his quarterfinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz, the Serb faced issues with his left leg, taking a medical timeout tight after the opening set. His fitness condition had already concerned him and his team. In fact, his struggle with his left leg was quite clear – dropping the first set in an uncharacteristic fashion. But upon returning to the court after receiving medical assistance, Djokovic overpowered Alcaraz in four sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, and proved his mettle once again. Post-victory, he claimed he would have retired if he couldn’t win the match. Little did he know the weight of his words then.

Interestingly, the Serb canceled his practice right before his semifinal match on Thursday. Even a day before on Wednesday, he didn’t schedule any training session. As a result, he had a last-minute hitting session scheduled with his coach Andy Murray, but ended up calling it quits just 90 minutes before with an injury warning. That niggle could have been a hint – another reason for his walkover from his run at Happy Slam. Djokovic’s physicality appeared a big issue for his form right away. The 37-year-old Serb stepped onto the court with his upper left leg again heavily taped up after injuring it in his last match.

However, the Serb cleared the air of confusion: “I did everything I possibly could do to manage the muscle tear that I had.” However, he couldn’t help the unfortunate circumstances, saying, “Towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain. It was too much to handle for me at the moment.”

Novak Djokovic’s 2025 AO walkover is disappointing for the fraternity – as evidenced by the unceremonious booing that ensured at the Rod Laver Arena post his withdrawal. His eyes, however, stay firmly set on long-term goals:

“I knew even if I won the first set, that it’s going to be a huge uphill battle for me to stay physically fit enough to stay with him in the rallies for two, three, four hours.” Having saved himself from a bigger injury, Djokovic lives to fight another day, another tournament.

Djokovic’s unexpected withdrawal might displease the fraternity, but his opponent Alexander Zverev stood by him like a rock.

Alexander Zverev said he respects none as much as Novak Djokovic on tour

When Djokovic quit the match and shook hands with the chair umpire, the stadium booed him. The attendees were displeased seeing their favorite player withdraw from the Slam when there was a chance of his victory. However, Djokovic’s opponent Alexander Zverev had a completely different feeling.

Urging the crowd to stop booing at the Serb, Zverev said, “Please, do not boo any player, much less Novak. He has done everything imaginable for this sport, he has tried to compete despite his problems. He is too good.” The German ATP star also spoke highly of Novak.

Reflecting on how much he respects him, Zverev said, “There’s no guy on tour I respect more than Novak. He’s been one of my closest friends. Whenever I struggled, I could always call him.” Forgetting his third entry to a Slam finals, he chose to stick to Djokovic’s decision and help others understand why he had no choice but to do this.

Well, Djokovic’s retirement from the Australian Open semi-final due to injury marks his fifth consecutive Grand Slam tournament without winning the title he needs to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

While his injury remains a big concern for his supporters, they wish him a speedy recovery and a return to the court soon. Following the prayers and well-wishes, we hope for his “miraculous physical recovery” soon!