Aus Open: Djokovic Opens Up About Semifinal Retirement, Says 'I Could Only Push So Far'

The 37-year-old took to social media to reflect on his retirement from the semi-final stating he 'could only push so far'.

Novak Djokovic's attempt at winning a record 11th Australian Open suffered a massive blow as the Serbian great retired with injury after the first set of the semifinal against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

The 37-year-old took to social media to reflect on his retirement from the semi-final stating he 'could only push so far'.

Advertisement

"Tried to recover for today's match but could only push so far. Positives to take out of this year's Aus Open though. Congrats, @AlexZverev, on making another GS final. I wish you to win title coz you deserve it, my friend," Djokovic wrote in a social media post.

After Djokovic lost that first set in 81 minutes, he retired when Zverev was ahead in the match 7-6 (5). Djokovic hit into the net to concede the mini-break and the whole of the first set in a tiebreak. Right after he dropped a 7-6(5) opening set, Djokovic shook hands with the No. 2, promoting the German to the final.

Advertisement

The Serbian pushed Zverev throughout a one-hour, 21-minute opening set, but could not battle on any longer after he missed a volley on set point.

After overcoming his upper-leg injury in an inspired quarterfinal performance against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic was clearly limited against Zverev despite keeping the scoreline close.

Advertisement

Djokovic pushed through the pain on Tuesday to overcome Alcaraz in his bid to win a record-extending 25th major. The Serb, who had taped his upper left leg throughout his victory over Alcaraz, was going for an 11th Australian Open trophy and famously had claimed the hard-court event in 2023, despite an injury.

Zverev goes to his third major final as Sinner, the defending champion, waits in line.

Advertisement

Djokovic becomes the third man in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open semifinals aged 37 or older, joining Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer.

The former No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings had trouble finding his top level at the majors in 2024, but his victory against World No. 3 Alcaraz in the quarterfinal was his first Top 10 opponent that he defeated at a Slam since 2023 when he came from behind to defeat Daniil Medvedev to win his 24th major at the US Open.

Read also| Abhishek Praises Team Environment, Says Coach and Captain Gave Complete Freedom

Advertisement

Read also| Gambhir Explains Why Shami Didn’t Make the Playing XI, Citing Need for More Spinners

Advertisement

Advertisement