Fri Jan 24 07:50:27 UTC 2025: ## Djokovic Booed After Retiring Hurt in Australian Open Semi-Final
**Melbourne, Australia** – Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic’s semi-final match against Alexander Zverev ended abruptly on Friday when the Serb retired hurt after losing the first set. Djokovic, hampered by a groin injury sustained in his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz, was forced to withdraw, eliciting a chorus of boos from sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
The 37-year-old revealed he hadn’t practiced since Tuesday and despite receiving medical treatment, the pain became unbearable towards the end of the first set, which Zverev won 7-6(5). Despite the injury, Djokovic displayed impressive form throughout the 81-minute set. However, after missing a volley, he embraced Zverev and subsequently retired.
As Djokovic left the court, some spectators expressed their displeasure with boos. This reaction prompted immediate criticism from Zverev, who urged the crowd to show respect for the injured player during his on-court interview. Former Australian tennis player John Millman also condemned the booing on social media, calling it “a disgrace” and “classless.”
Djokovic’s future participation in the Australian Open remains uncertain. While he expressed a desire to continue playing, he admitted that his schedule for the coming year depends on his recovery. The incident concludes another controversial tournament for Djokovic, who earlier in the week clashed with a Channel Nine reporter.
First Piper 