Alexander Zverev is one step closer to claiming his first Grand Slam title. The world No. 2 advanced to his maiden Australian Open final after Novak Djokovic retired injured following the first set of their gripping semifinal clash. Zverev edged the opening set 7-6(5) in a tense 81-minute battle before Djokovic signaled he could no longer continue due to a muscle tear in his left thigh, leaving fans on Rod Laver Arena stunned.
The 37-year-old Djokovic, who had been battling the injury since his quarterfinal win against Carlos Alcaraz, was visibly struggling despite keeping pace with Zverev. “Please, don’t boo him,” Zverev implored the crowd during his post-match interview. “Novak has given everything to this sport for 20 years. If he’s retiring, it means he truly cannot continue.”
Despite the abrupt end, Zverev praised Djokovic for his remarkable resilience. “He’s won this tournament with injuries before. He’s a fighter, and I wish him all the best,” Zverev added.
For Zverev, this marks his third Grand Slam final after heartbreaking losses at the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open. “I’ve lost twice in the fifth set. Maybe it’s time for me to have some luck,” the German said with a hopeful smile.
Djokovic, in his post-match remarks, commended Zverev’s performance. “He deserves his first Slam,” said the Serbian legend, hinting at a possible retirement after this season.
Zverev now awaits the winner of the semifinal between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton. With consistent performances throughout the tournament, dropping just two sets so far, Zverev is poised to seize this golden opportunity to cement his place in tennis history.
Could this finally be Zverev’s moment? The tennis world will be watching.
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