Novak Djokovic was booed off court by a section of disgruntled fans after he was forced to pull out of his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev. Djokovic arrived on court wearing heavy strapping on his thigh and initially appeared to be showing no ill-effects.
A cagey set full of long rallies saw both men have chances to break, with Zverev unable to take five break points across two games but recovering from in the fourth game.
It was nip and tuck in the tie-break as well until Djokovic netted an easy volley at to hand Zverev the set after 80 minutes. It seemed like the contest was just getting started, but instead Djokovic headed straight to Zverev to shake hands before walking off court to a mixture of jeers and cheers. Of course, the longer you continue, the worse it can get and maybe he was not moving as well in the tie-break. I wanted it to be a tough five-set match as well.
Of more pertinence, the winner of 24 Grand Slam titles may have played his last game at one of his favourite tournaments and was asked if he would be returning to Melbourne Park next year. Who knows?
Djokovic said. I want to keep going. Medications and I guess the tape and the physio work helped to some extent today. Unfortunate ending, but I tried. I knew, even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me. More Trending. Home divider Sport divider Tennis. Share this article Share this with Close. Share this article via messenger. Share this article via email. Share this article via flipboard. Must Read. Read more stories Read more stories. Metro Shorts.
