Novak Djokovic’s early retirement from the Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev has sparked a wave of reactions across the tennis world, with fellow players Jannik Sinner and Zverev coming to the defense of the 10-time Australian Open champion.
Djokovic, who retired after losing a grueling first set to Zverev, cited unbearable pain from a muscle tear as the reason for his decision. While some in the crowd booed the Serbian as he left the court, Zverev and Sinner were quick to highlight Djokovic’s contributions to tennis and his fighting spirit.
Jannik Sinner’s heartfelt words
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who secured his spot in the Australian Open final with a win over Ben Shelton, addressed the Djokovic incident in his post-match press conference.
“I didn’t see the first semifinal and I learned later what had happened,” Sinner said. “It can happen. It’s unpleasant to see these things, but if Novak retired, it means he had a big problem. In the past, he won here with injuries, and I think he always gave his best.
“He gave everything for tennis in his career, and it’s not nice to see what happened. I wish him a quick recovery.”
Sinner’s remarks reflect the immense respect Djokovic commands among his peers, even as he faces criticism from some quarters.
Zverev defends Djokovic against boos
Zverev, who advanced to the final following Djokovic’s retirement, expressed disappointment with the crowd’s reaction, condemning the boos directed at the Serbian star.
“If a determined athlete like Novak decides to retire during a match, it means that in no way could he have continued playing,” Zverev said.
Zverev also emphasized Djokovic’s history of battling through injuries, noting that the Serbian’s decision to withdraw underscores the severity of his condition.
Djokovic: ‘I tried my best’
Addressing his retirement, Djokovic explained the toll his injury took on his ability to compete:
“I did everything I could to try to manage the muscle tear. The therapies and the work of the physiotherapists helped me, but I started to feel more and more pain towards the end of the first set. It was too much, but I tried.”
The 10-time Australian Open champion’s exit is a rare moment of vulnerability for a player known for his physical and mental resilience.
The legacy of resilience
Despite the disappointing end to his campaign, Djokovic’s legacy remains intact. As Sinner noted, Djokovic’s past triumphs at the Australian Open, often achieved while managing injuries, speak volumes about his commitment and perseverance.
For Zverev, Djokovic’s contributions to the sport warrant the respect of fans, regardless of the circumstances:
“Novak has done so much for tennis. It’s important to remember that and give him the credit he deserves.”
Looking ahead
With Djokovic sidelined, the focus shifts to the Australian Open final, where Jannik Sinner will face Alexander Zverev in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. As for Djokovic, the tennis world will eagerly await updates on his recovery and eventual return to competition.