Novak Djokovic's bid for the 25th Grand Slam title ended after he retired from the semifinal match against Alexander Zverev during the Australian Open 2025 men's singles semi-final. Djokovic, who was bidding for a record-extending 11th title down under, quit after losing the first set 7-6 (7-5).
Fans inside Rod Laver Arena were expecting a cracking contest between Djokovic and Zverev but were left utterly disappointed and they displayed their displeasure by booing Djokovic when he waved to them and gave them a double thumbs up.
In the post-match press conference, Djokovic confirmed that he has a muscle tear and revealed he would have tried to play another set if he won the tie-breaker.
Djokovic has now gone five Grand Slams without winning a title, which he needs to surpass Margaret Court’s 24 and become the all-time leader. During on court interview, Zverev defended Djokovic and said, "The very first thing I want to say is please don't boo when a player is injured," said Zverev in his on-court interview."
"I know everyone paid for tickets but Novak Djokovic is someone who has given everything to the sport.He has won this title with an abdominal injury, he has won this title with a hamstring injury. If he cannot continue a tennis match, he really cannot continue a tennis match."
Novak Djokovic's barren run of titles
Djokovic has hit a rare barren run in his career and has gone five Grand Slams without a triumph. He has not lifted a major trophy since the 2023 US Open. However, the World No. 7 won the 2024 Paris Olympics' men's singles tournament in this period. This was the first instance of the Serbian winning an Olympic gold in his career.
