Proving a point has come with a demanding cost for Novak Djokovic. The Serbian returned for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title in sight and when fans thought the ‘Serbinator’ would dominate the camping, he exited with an unfortunate fate. His latest physical update left many speculating about his future endeavours. Even Serena Williams‘ ex-coach sensed incoming trouble for the Serb.

The Serbian star dug deep in Melbourne and showcased impressive form until he matched with Carlos Alcaraz in the last eight. Despite registering a comeback victory, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, concerns about his fitness headlined online. Following Nole’s display of physical discomfort and calls for a medical timeout (MTO) during the contest, aired clouds of uncertainty about his progression.

Unfortunately, those conversations came to life after he was forced to concede mid-match against Alexander Zverev after sustaining a tour-threatening injury, thus ending his run for the summit clash in the SF. His injury status, however, did not sit well with critics at first. American John McEnroe, a commentator at AO, discredited the injury discussion saying it was a thought-out tactic, one done in the past, to derail his rivals’ momentum. “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled,” said McEnroe.

However, Djokovic blasted all speculations after revealing a scan of his Melbourne injury on social media for ‘all the experts out there.’ The MRI scan showed fans a tear in his upper left thigh, accurately resonating with his injury claims from earlier. “Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury ‘experts’ out there,” wrote Djokovic above the post he added on X. Seeing as a thigh tear can be tricky to navigate, Serena Williams’s former coach Rick Macci posted a warning for his future Slam quests. “The next Step for the JOKER is the most important Step in his career.”

“A hamstring tear can become Chronic and because the rubber band man moves like Sonic explosive movement is the Step to another Slam but it all depends on his Ham,” he added. Battling all odds and keeping hopes alive for a historic chase for a 25th Slam win, Djokovic also made sure to stay true to his words for finalist Zverev.

Novak Djokovic pens a touching message for Alexander Zverev post-AO defeat

German Alexander Zverev had a Slam title in sight once again but, unfortunately, failed to capitalize on that opportunity once again in Melbourne. He had previously finished runner-up at the 2020 US Open and the 2024 French Open but this time, he had Novak Djokovic’s backing.

During the Serb’s post-match presser, he spoke in favour of the German saying, “I wish Sascha all the best. You know, he deserves his first slam. I’ll be cheering for him. Hopefully, he can get it here.”

Despite a formidable show of strength against champion Jannik Sinner, ‘Sascha’ lost the title rubber in straight sets after the Italian registered a routine straight-set victory to successfully defend his crown at the Rod Laver Arena. However, Djokovic found it best to share an encouraging message for the German star amid an emotional trophy presentation ceremony. “Sascha, keep believing my friend! You have IT in you.”

With no tour-level title finish in over a year and the first Slam concluded, Djokovic will have to wait before taking on another quest. He is slated to return for the French Open following full recovery of his thigh injury, meaning he will be sidelined for the coming weeks.