Djokovic retires hurt as Zverev advances to Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title came to an abrupt end on 24 January, as the Serbian retired injured during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

The 37-year-old had heavily taped his upper left leg following an injury sustained in the quarter-finals.

Despite battling hard in the gruelling first set, Djokovic conceded the match after losing the tiebreak 7-6 (7/5). The decision was met with a mixed reaction from the crowd, as Zverev advanced to his first final in Melbourne.

This setback prolongs Djokovic's wait to surpass Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles. It also marks five consecutive Grand Slam tournaments without a triumph for the tennis great, with his last title coming at the 2023 US Open. Djokovic endured a winless 2024 season in Grand Slams, raising further doubts about whether he can ever eclipse Court's tally.

The retirement also cost Djokovic the chance to secure his 100th career title, a milestone achieved only by Roger Federer (102) in the sport's history.

For Zverev, the victory sets up a Sunday final against either world number one Jannik Sinner or American 21st seed Ben Shelton. The German, who has twice been a Grand Slam runner-up—at the 2020 US Open and the 2024 French Open—will be competing in his first Australian Open final.

Zverev has shown remarkable resilience over the past year, finishing 2024 as world number two and registering more wins than anyone except Sinner. His resurgence comes after a severe ankle injury that derailed his 2022 season.

This time last year, Zverev was agonisingly close to the final but squandered a two-set lead to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. His renewed form and focus have now taken him one step further.

Heading into the match, concerns loomed over Djokovic's fitness after he required medical attention during his four-set quarter-final victory against Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian admitted he was worried about his physical condition, though his trademark resilience gave hope for another comeback.

In the opening set, Djokovic seemed unaffected initially, displaying his usual agility during a 27-shot rally in his first service game. He fended off four break points early on but struggled with his first serve, allowing Zverev to stay in the contest.

Despite the Serbian's efforts, Zverev saved three break points of his own at 2-2 and again at 4-4, with neither player able to capitalise on their chances. The set eventually culminated in a tense tiebreak, which Zverev won.