Australian Open: Novak Djokovic retires hurt, Alexander Zverev through to men’s singles final
Novak Djokovic has sensationally withdrawn from the Australian Open after losing the first set of his semifinal with Alexander Zverev on Friday afternoon.
The 10-time champion, who has been battling an injury to his left leg, shook hands with his German opponent after volleying a ball into the net to end the opening set.
It means Zverev will walk through to Sunday night’s final against either World No.1 Jannik Sinner or American Ben Shelton.
Zverev appeared in shock after Djokovic waved goodbye to fans on Rod Laver Arena.
And the shock result comes after a fortnight of controversy for the Serbian megastar, who boycotted interviews with host broadcaster Channel 9 just days after he also made bizarre claims he was poisoned on a recent trip to Australia.
The first set, which finished 7-6 to Zverev after a tiebreak, went for almost an hour-and-a-half.
Djokovic had reported the injury after defeating Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set epic on Wednesday night.
More to come
#Australian #Open #Novak #Djokovic #retires #hurt #Alexander #Zverev #mens #singles #final