Novak Djokovic sends message to Alexander Zverev on social media after retiring injured from their semi final

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Novak Djokovic retired with an injury after the first set of his Australian Open semi-final with Alexander Zverev.

The Serb was searching for an 11th title in Melbourne this year but left empty-handed as he retired injured during his semi-final match at the Australian Open.

Djokovic had lost a tight first set against the German in a tiebreaker when he shook Zverev’s hand at the net, bringing an end to his 2025 campaign at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic had beaten Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals but picked up an injury during the first set, which bothered him again on Friday.

His defeat was his second consecutive loss in the last four of the Australian Open after Djokovic fell to Jannik Sinner in 2024.

It will be Sinner and Zverev who face off for the title in 2025, as the latter looks to win his first Major title.

Having exited the tournament, Djokovic sent a message to Zverev ahead of Sunday’s Australian Open final.

Novak Djokovic tells ‘friend’ Alexander Zverev he hopes he wins the 2025 Australian Open

Following his semi-final retirement, Djokovic took to X, to congratulate his semi-final opponent.

“Congratulations to Alexander Zverev for making another Grand Slam final,” he said.

“I wish you to win the title because you deserve it, my friend.”

The Serb also looked back upon the match and reflected on his performance at the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.

“Tried to recover for today’s match but I could only push so far,” he said.

“Nevertheless, positives to take out of this year’s Australian Open.”

There are indeed positives to take for the ATP Tour legend, as he enjoyed a strong tournament, taking down several big names.

Djokovic’s wins over Nishesh Basavareddy and Jaime Faria could in time age well, as the prospects both impressed during their time in Melbourne.

Similarly, his victories over the Czech duo of Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka are both worth acknowledging, as there are plenty who would’ve struggled against the pair who are tipped to do great things on the ATP Tour in 2025.

Beating four-time Major champion Alcaraz, was of course the pick of the bunch, as Djokovic looked to be at his very best during their quarter-final encounter.

Alexander Zverev wishes Novak Djokovic a speedy recovery after Australian Open injury

Zverev and Djokovic exchanged messages online after the match, with the 27-year-old taking to Instagram to share his thoughts.

“Not the way you’d want to reach a Grand Slam final,” he said.

“Immense respect for Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest athletes of all time.

“Get well soon.

“See you all on Sunday.”

Zverev will take on Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final after he beat Ben Shelton in straight sets in the second semi-final.

It will take a monumental effort for Zverev to topple Sinner, who hasn’t lost a match since the beginning of October.

Sinner has won 20 matches in a row, across different tournaments, continents, and years.

Before he embarked on his impressive winning run, Sinner lost to Alcaraz in Beijing, 7-6, 4-6, 6-7.

Sinner’s record is arguably even more impressive when you include his defeat to Alcaraz, having gone 35-1, since early August last year.

It’ll take something pretty special from the world number three to take home the title, but Zverev will no doubt have the confidence to finally win his first Grand Slam.

Zverev will take on Sinner in the Australian Open final on Sunday, January 26.