On Friday, Novak Djokovic surrendered the semi-final match of the Australian Open to Alexander Zverev after one set, which did not go down well with the crowd in Melbourne.
Djokovic lost the first set in tie-break with 7:6(5), and then he extended his hand to Zverev and withdrew from the tournament due to a leg injury.
The crowd didn’t like that gesture, so the people at Rod Laver Arena made it clear to Djokovic what they thought about it, according to Klix.
Anyone else feeling devastated for Novak Djokovic?
This is not how it was supposed to end. 😭pic.twitter.com/KQ5v1znqa0
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) January 24, 2025
In the moments when he was leaving the stadium, instead of the standard applause which every tennis player gets, loud whistles were heard from the stands, and Djokovic responded with two thumbs up.
The first thing I say: Never whistle at a player when he leaves the field injured. I know they all paid for their tickets and want to watch the battle in five sets, but it is A rookie man who has given this sport his whole life, 20 years. He won this tournament with injuries, with torn muscles, abdominal injuries, you have to show love and respect to Djokovic, Zverev said.
Zverev on some of the crowd booing Djokovic after retiring from the Australian Open
“Please guys don’t boo a player when he goes out with an injury. I know everyone paid for tickets.. but Novak has given everything of his life to the sport the last 20 years”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 24, 2025
Let us remind you that Zverev will play against Zverev in the final on Sunday Jannik Sinner (ATP 1.) or Ben Shelton (ATP 20.) who play their match on Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Shock in Melbourne: Djokovic surrendered the semifinals after the first set
(www.jabuka.tv)
