Novak Djokovic’s fine run at the Australian Open has finally come to an end, with the 10-time champion bowing out in unfortunate circumstances.
Former ATP number one Djokovic was losing 7-6(7-5) to second seed Alexander Zverev when he decided to retire hurt from their semi-final match.
Djokovic was booed by some fans as he left the court, with the highly-anticipated match lasting just one hour and 21 minutes.
Zverev drew praise from tennis fans for questioning such boos, referring to the fact his latest opponent has enjoyed huge success in Melbourne and indeed further afar.
The Serbian boasts 24 Grand Slam titles and 99 ATP Tour-level titles, but wasn’t able to overcome an injury that also reared its head in his Australian Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Rennae Stubbs calls Novak Djokovic boos ‘disgraceful’ after his Australian Open exit
Zverev now meets world number one Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final, with Djokovic heading home empty-handed.
He has also now been defended by former WTA star Rennae Stubbs after his semi-final treatment, with the Australian writing on X: “I don’t care what you think of Novak Djokovic, love him or hate him.
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“If you booed him off the court today, you’re a disgrace. That man has literally left his heart and soul on that court. He’s our greatest champion Melbourne and he’s injured! Think about what you just did. Disgraceful!!”
Fickle tennis fans forget what 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has achieved
Like Zverev before her, Stubbs is absolutely spot on, with Djokovic having clearly tried his utmost to make it through the match.
But the powerful German proved too difficult to compete with in Melbourne, with the 37-year-old understandably deciding enough was enough after well over an hour of physical exertion.
Many inside Rod Laver Arena were understandably aggrieved, but there was still no need to launch a tirade of boos at the living legend.
He has given so much of his life to tennis, producing many unforgettable moments over the years, especially on Australian soil.
It remains to be seen if Djokovic will return to the Australian Open given his age and injury troubles, but he certainly deserves more respect than what was shown by admittedly a select group of fans at Melbourne Park.
He won his first-ever Grand Slam title at the tournament back in 2008, with Roger Federer and Roy Emerson his nearest rivals in terms of overall titles with six.
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