24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2025. On Friday, the Serbian player decided to withdraw from the match due to an injury. Djokovic's withdrawal gave his rival, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev, a walkover to reach the final of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Djokovic lost the first set 7–6 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Olympic tennis champion Djokovic came from behind to defeat Spain's third seed Carlos Alcarez in four sets in the men's singles quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Djokovic is the most successful men's singles player at the Australian Open. He has won this title 10 times.
Speaking to the media after withdrawing from the match, Djokovic said-
I did everything I could to manage the muscle soreness, but after the first set was over, I started to feel more pain and it became too much to handle.
Alexander Zverev meets Djokovic (left) after his retirement.
The crowd booed Djokovic After Djokovic withdrew, the crowd at Rod Laver Arena began hooting him. After this, Zverev defended him.
Zverev said-
Please do not cheer any player when he is out with injury. I know everyone paid for the tickets, but Novak has given his all to the game over the last 20 years.
Zverev has yet to win a single Grand Slam World No. 2 Alexander Zverev is looking for his first Grand Slam title. He has reached the final of the Australian Open for the first time. He lost in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam last year.
Djokovic has 24 Grand Slam titles to his name Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slams in his career, of which he has won the Australian Open the most 10 times. Djokovic has also won the Wimbledon title 7 times. He also has 4 US Open and 3 French Open titles to his name.
Djokovic is the 13th player to win the Golden Slam in tennis. Golden Slam means players who have won all four Grand Slams including gold in the Olympics.
Women's singles final will be played between Sablanka-Keys Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has reached the final of the Australian Open 2025. Sabalenka has made it to the final of a Grand Slam for the third time in a row. She will face American Madison Keys in the title match on January 25.
The Australian Open has been played since 1905 The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year. The Lawn Tennis Association of Australia started the tournament in 1905, which was previously known as the Australian Championships. The Lawn Tennis Association of Australia later became 'Tennis Australia'. After this, the Australian Championship was renamed the Australian Open. From 1969 this tennis tournament became officially known as the Australian Open.
It's the first Grand Slam of the year There are 4 Grand Slams in tennis. All four are held annually, starting with the Australian Open in January. The French Open is held in May and June. Wimbledon is held in July and the US Open in August-September. The US Open is the last Grand Slam of the year.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
