Djokovic's 2025 Australian Open journey ended in shocking fashion on Friday, with Djokovic retiring after the first set in the semifinals against Zverev. However, this decision to withdraw from the game has sparked controversy, and many fans have expressed their dissatisfaction.

In the day match at Rod Laver Stadium, Djokovic and Zverev went toe-to-toe, and the two continued to hold serve and drag the match into a tie-break. In the tie-break, Djokovic made a simple high-pressure smash error to help Zverev seize the first set opportunity to win the first set.

Just minutes later, before the crowd could recover from Djokovic's unexpected mistake, the 24-time Grand Slam champion shocked the crowd again and announced his retirement due to injury. In response, the Melbourne audience (at least a significant part of them) booed him off. Djokovic responded with an ironic thumbs-up gesture that also became the focus of attention.

It is worth noting that Djokovic had already picked up an injury in the previous quarter-final against Alcaraz and also called a medical timeout during the match. Speaking on the pitch after the game, he spoke about the injury:

"Well, because I'm still in the game, I don't want to reveal too much. To be honest, if I had lost the second set, I probably wouldn't have played. However, I'm getting better and better. I was a little hesitant to hit the ball from the baseline, but I took my chances, I felt better, my movement gradually returned to normal, and the injury didn't affect the game too much. ”

However, in the semifinal against Zverev, the former world No. 1 wore a bandage on his left thigh. It was reported that he had skipped all the pre-match training sessions, which also led to speculation about whether he would be able to play normally.

In a post-match interview, Zverev harshly criticized the boos of some of the crowd at Djokovic's retirement. The German star called on fans to respect the players, especially a legend like Novak Djokovic. He reminded everyone that the Serbian had won the title in Melbourne despite a major injury.

"He's won the tournament with a torn ab and he's won with a torn thigh muscle. If he can't continue playing, it really means he can't continue. So, please respect him and give Novak more love. Zverev said.

In an interview on the Wide World of Sports channel, former professional tennis player Millman criticized fans' attitude towards Djokovic. Not only did he reiterate Djokovic's stellar record at the Australian Open, but he also called him one of the greatest players in history.

"I think it's a complete mess. Some behaviors have crossed the line, and this time it is simply the limit. This man has won the title here ten times, at least with a little respect. He is one of the greatest players in history, if not the greatest. He's definitely the greatest player on this field. I don't care how much you spent on tickets, please be a little respectful. Millman said.

Serena Williams' former coach Rene Stubbs also reacted strongly to the incident. On Friday, she reminded fans on X (formerly Twitter): "I don't care what you think of Djokovic, love him or hate him. If you boo him out today, you're a disgrace. This man poured his heart and soul into this field. He's our greatest champion in Melbourne and he's injured! Think about what you just did. What a shame!! ”

Gauff's former coach Brad Gilbert also joined the discussion, expressing shock at the incident. Gilbert expressed bewilderment at the crowd's behaviour after the Serbian star retired midway through the game: "I was shocked when some people booed Djokovic. It's good that Zverev can stand up, there is absolutely no reason for such a thing to happen. ”

When Djokovic walked off the pitch, the crowd booed and mocked him. At the post-match press conference, he was asked by the Serbian media what he thought of this behavior of the crowd. He confessed that although he did not receive support, he still showed understanding to the audience and understood the reasons for their disappointment.

Djokovic stressed that he tried as hard as he could, but eventually had to stop to avoid the injury getting worse, "The crowd came to see the fight, paid for tickets and expected to see a good fight and a fierce confrontation, but they didn't see it. From that point of view, I can understand their feelings. I'm trying my best to understand them, but I'm not sure if they understand me, or if they're willing to understand me. ”

After beating Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, Djokovic received a lot of criticism. Some viewers accused him of being a "liar" and questioned whether his injuries were "faked". To this, Djokovic responded: "It is always easier to criticize and blame than to understand. ”(Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark)