Alexander Zverev (right) high-fives Novak Djokovic. © APA/afp / MARTIN KEEP

Djokovic gives up: Zverev in the final of the Australian Open

The first semi-final match of the Australian Open took place on Friday night. Due to the sudden withdrawal of 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev is now aiming for the long-awaited first title in one of the four most important tennis tournaments on Sunday.

24 January 2025

From: azl

Alexander Zverev has reached the final of the Australian Open for the first time after Novak Djokovic retired. The 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner from Serbia ended the semi-final against the Hamburg native early after 5 minutes, having lost the first set 7:6 (7:81) in the tiebreak.

In certain scenes it was clear that the Serb was handicapped. His first serve was too rare, especially at the beginning, and Djokovic also leaned on his racket and pulled a face. He also got into an early argument with his box, including ex-pro Andy Murray as his super coach. His surrender after losing the tiebreak was nevertheless a surprise - even for the spectators, some of whom booed and whistled.

Novak Djokovic had to give up due to injury. © APA/afp / MARTIN KEEP

"I'm obviously happy to be in the final. On the other hand, there is no one on the tour I respect more than Novak," said Zverev, who appealed to the spectators in the Rod Laver Arena: "Please don't boo a player if he has to give up because of an injury." Zverev said afterwards on TV channel Eurosport: "He may have moved a little slower between rallies. But I thought he still got a lot of balls, he moved pretty well. It's difficult to say anything about that now."

Zverev now against Sinner or Shelton

Zverev has reached a Grand Slam final for the third time thanks to his 37-year-old opponent's retirement. He had lost both of his previous finals at the 2020 US Open and the French Open last year. "Maybe it's time for me to have a bit of luck in a final," said Zverev.

The German wants his first title at one of the most important tennis tournaments. © APA/afp / WILLIAM WEST

In the duel for the title, the 27-year-old will face the winner of the second semi-final between the Italian defending champion Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton from the USA on Sunday. Zverev is only the third male tennis professional after Boris Becker (1991, 1996) and Rainer Schüttler (2003) to reach the final in Melbourne.