Novak Djokovic BOOED after retiring from Australian Open semi-final after just one set leaving crowd shellshocked
Novak Djokovic BOOED after retiring from Australian Open semi-final after just one set leaving crowd shellshocked
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NOVAK DJOKOVIC was booed by fans after retiring from his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev following a gruelling opening set. The Serbian, 37, overcame Carlos Alcaraz from a set down in the quarters but saw no way back after losing a 90-minute opener 7-6 to Zverev.
![[Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic shaking hands after a tennis match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/alamy-live-news-image-part-966206179.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Djokovic has been managing an injury during his run at Melbourne Park. He took a medical timeout during the four-set Alcaraz match, and later revealed that if he'd lost the second set to the Spaniard he may not have continued. Today's semi-final went with serve, before 6ft 6in Zverev managed to squeeze through the tie-break 7-5.
![[Novak Djokovic playing tennis.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-serbias-novak-djokovic-action-966199215.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Djokovic subsequently went to shake hands with his opponent, much to the surprise of the capacity Rod Laver Arena crowd. There were a smattering of boos as the 24-time Major champion left the court, to which he raised a sarcastic thumbs up. During his on-court interview, Zverev said: "The very first thing I want to say is, please guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury. I know everybody paid for tickets and everybody wants to see a great five set match.
![[A woman in a hat and sunglasses covers her mouth in shock.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/novak-djokovic-retires-australian-open-966209346.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“He has given the sport (so much) for the last 20 years; absolutely everything, his life. He has won the tournament with an abdominal tear, he has won it with a hamstring tear and if he cannot continue… really show some love for Novak as well.". Zverev will now face either world No.1 Jannik Sinner or American rising star Ben Shelton in Sunday's final.
![[Novak Djokovic giving a thumbs-up to the audience.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/alamy-live-news-image-part-966206154.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
