Novak Djokovic Retires to Angry Jeers after a Set against Zverev
Australian Open
January 24, 2025
Novak Djokovic ploughed a simple smash into the net and promptly called it a day.
The handshake with Sascha Zverev caused dismay and then irritation among some unforgiving Australian fans.
The misdirected shot had handed Zverev an unremarkable first set on a tie-break. It felt like the beginning. But it was the end.
Novak said later: ‘Towards the end, the pain was too much for me to handle at the moment. Unfortunate ending but I tried.’
Djokovic knew he didn’t have another three sets in him. Not after the muscular tear he had sustained against Carlos Alcaraz.
Here at WDH we had suggested that Novak had to win the first set against the Spaniard. He proved us wrong on that occasion.
But Djokovic certainly knew he had to win the first set against the German in order to prevail. He didn’t. And that was that.
Novak confirmed he would probably have tried to play another set if he had won the tie-break instead of losing it 5-7. But the prospect of a minimum four-set contest proved too daunting.
Novak Djokovic will doubtless return to fight for at least one last major at Wimbledon 2025 – where he still has a realistic chance of glory.
Djokovic gave no guarantees that he would ever return to the Australian Open as a player, however. ‘It depends on this season,’ he admitted.
The Australian crowd were audibly annoyed that Novak had chosen to live to fight another day instead of going out on his shield.
They booed Djokovic as he waved and left the Rod Laver Arena. He turned, clearly surprised, and offered two thumbs up by way of reply. Zverev was still out there and defended his opponent.
Sascha said: ‘Please guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out injured. I know that everybody paid for tickets and you would like to see a five-set match.
‘But Novak Djokovic gave everything he had to this sport over the last twenty years. He won this tournament with an abdominal tear and a hamstring tear. If he cannot continue, it means he cannot continue.
‘Show Novak Djokovic some love. He won this tournament ten times. I played my best set of this tournament and still only just won a tie-break against an injured player.’
Now Zverev is one step from Grand Slam glory. But he knows he has been there before – and twice suffered heartbreak in the showpiece at majors. Perhaps Australia will be kinder.
Sascha realises from bitter experience that two sets will not be enough. ‘For the final I wish to win a third set and not just the first two.
‘I have lost a Grand Slam final on a tie-break and maybe it’s my turn to have a little luck.’
Djokovic offered his immediate support: ‘Zverev deserves his first Slam. I will be cheering for him and hope he gets there.’
It will be tough – especially if he faces Sinner. ‘I respect both players,’ Zverev said safely of the other semi-finalists.
‘Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton both deserve to be where they are. We’ll see who wins to play me. I’ll be ready.’
Novak Djokovic will come storming back. We can expect to see the all-time-great ready for a final push at Wimbledon 2025.
Will you be there to see the legends take on the new kids on the block? Centre Court is truly magical.
Wimbledon 2025 will be an experience to treasure for a lifetime. Secure your tickets with us – and then look forward to the most glamorous Grand Slam of them all.