Novak Djokovic injury update: Serbian ace confirms muscle tear forced him to withdraw from semi-final clash

The 10-time Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, winner bowed out of the competition due to injury.

The Rod Laver Arena was left shocked and stunned during the semi-final encounter between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. After an exhilarating session of tennis in the first set, which saw Zverev prevail in the end, Djokovic surprised everyone as he walked over to shake hands with the German thereby forfeiting the match.

It took a minute for the crowd and fans across the globe to come to terms with the Serbian’s decision. Earlier, the 37-year-old pulled off a dominating victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter finals and was expected to win this contest comfortably.

The 10-time Australian Open winner was just one grand slam triumph away from his 100th title and a record-25th Grand Slam triumph.

His withdrawal doesn’t come out of the blue as he himself confessed struggling with a groin injury during this clash with Alcaraz. Prior to his semi-final battle, the Serbian skipped two practice sessions as well, as earlier reported by Khel Now.

Also Read: How many matches has Novak Djokovic won at each Grand Slam?

Both Djoker and the German played incredible tennis and scores were evenly tied, but with a match point on offer for Zverev on Djokovic’s serve, the 25-time Grand Slam champion missed out on an easy volley to concede the set, and eventually the match.

During his post-match press conference, Djokovic revealed the reason to grant a walkover to Zverev after the first set. “Look, it’s a muscle tear. Two years ago, you know, I have managed it better. On the court it didn’t bother me as much. This time that wasn’t the case.”

Despite the disappointing exit, the Serbian continues to remain optimistic regarding his chances to win a slam in the future. “I’ll keep going…. And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around.”

Djokovic last won a Slam in 2023 at the US Open. Alexander Zverev though, will fight for his maiden Grand Slam title, against defending champion Jannik Sinner in the finale of the Australian Open 2025.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram