Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic retires injured as Zverev reaches final

Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic retires injured as Zverev reaches final

Alexander Zverev advanced to the Australian Open 2025 final after Novak Djokovic retired during their semifinal match at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday.

The 10-time Australian Open champion shook hands with his opponent after losing the first set 7-6 and was sent off to a chorus of boos from the crowd.

“The very first thing I want to say is, please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with an injury,” Zverev said in his on-court interview.

“I know everybody paid for tickets and wants to see, hopefully, a five-set match. He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear and with a hamstring injury. So, please show some respect,” he added.

This is the first time Zverev has reached the final of the Australian Open and only the third time he has made it to a Grand Slam summit clash.

Zverev will face the winner of the second semifinal between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton in the final on Sunday.