Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic booed after retiring injured against Alexander Zverev in semi-finals
Novak Djokovic was booed by some Australian Open fans after withdrawing injured during his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic was aiming for a record 11th title but withdrew after losing the first set 7-6 (7-5).
The 37-year-old Serbian had his left thigh taped after sustaining the injury during Tuesday’s quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz.
After hitting the spot with a volley into the net, Djokovic immediately approached the net and shook hands with Zverev.
He waved to the crowd and gave a thumbs up, despite boos from some areas inside Rod Laver Arena.
“The first thing I want to say is, please don’t boo when players get injured,” Zverev said in an on-court interview.
“I know everyone bought a ticket, but Novak Djokovic gave everything to the sport.
“He won this championship with an abdominal injury, he won this championship with a hamstring injury.
“If he can’t continue a tennis match, he really can’t continue a tennis match.”
German second seed Zverev is still chasing his first Grand Slam title after losing two Grand Slam finals.
In his first Australian Open final, he will face Italian top seed Jannik Sinner or American 21st seed Ben Shelton.
