Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title ended in disappointment on Friday as he retired from his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev. The Serbian star’s injury-laden exit paved the way for Zverev to advance to his first Melbourne final. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance against Ben Shelton to book his spot in the title showdown against Zverev.
Djokovic’s Injury Woes and Shock Exit
The Rod Laver Arena crowd witnessed an unexpected turn of events as Djokovic, visibly struggling with a heavily taped left leg, retired after losing the first set 7-6 (7/5) to Zverev. The 37-year-old Serbian, who has been battling a muscle tear, exited to a mix of boos and applause, leaving his pursuit of history in tatters.
“There is a chance. Who knows?” Djokovic said when asked if this could be his final Australian Open appearance. “I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come.”
The retirement marked Djokovic’s fifth consecutive Grand Slam without claiming the title he needs to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24. His last major triumph came at the 2023 US Open, further casting doubts on whether he can rewrite the history books.
Sinner Shines Against Shelton
In the day’s second semifinal, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner showed grit and composure to dispatch 22-year-old American Ben Shelton in straight sets, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2. The 23-year-old Italian is now on the cusp of defending his maiden Grand Slam title, a feat he achieved in Melbourne last year.
The opening set was a marathon 71-minute affair, with Sinner saving two set points at 6-5 before taking control in the tiebreak. “I had some tension today, slightly cramps,” Sinner admitted post-match. “But he [Shelton] was also suffering today a little bit in his legs. I tried to move him around and stay aggressive, which helped a lot.”
Sinner’s dominance was evident in the second set, as he broke Shelton early and never looked back. Despite some spirited efforts from Shelton in the third set, Sinner’s unreturnable groundstrokes and tactical precision secured the win in just under two and a half hours.
“I’m very happy to be back in the finals,” Sinner said. “We’ll see what’s coming on Sunday.”
Zverev Advances to First Melbourne Final
For Alexander Zverev, the semifinal victory marks a significant milestone in his career. The German second seed, a two-time Grand Slam runner-up, is now one win away from lifting his first major trophy. Zverev reached the final with renewed vigor, having ended 2024 as world No. 2 and showcasing his best form following a horrific ankle injury.
In the semifinal, Zverev capitalized on Djokovic’s physical struggles while maintaining a consistent and powerful game. “Novak Djokovic has given so much to this sport for the past 20 years,” Zverev said in his post-match interview, urging the crowd to respect the Serbian legend. “Please be respectful and really show some love for Novak as well.”
The Road Ahead: Sinner vs. Zverev
Sunday’s final will be a high-stakes clash between the top two seeds, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. While Sinner is aiming to defend his title and assert his dominance as the world’s top-ranked player, Zverev is seeking his maiden Grand Slam victory after falling short in previous finals at the French Open and US Open.
Sinner’s form throughout the tournament has been imperious. With a 19-match winning streak at hardcourt Grand Slams, he has cemented his status as the player to beat. However, Zverev’s resilience and hunger for a breakthrough major make him a formidable opponent.
Key Moments from the Semifinals
- Djokovic’s Battle: Despite playing through pain, Djokovic managed to save four break points early in the first set. However, his physical limitations became apparent as the set wore on, culminating in a tiebreak loss and his eventual retirement.
- Sinner’s Resilience: Sinner’s ability to save two set points in the first set against Shelton was a turning point. Once he claimed the opener, the Italian took full control, breaking Shelton’s serve five times across the next two sets.
- Zverev’s Consistency: Zverev’s disciplined performance against Djokovic highlighted his readiness for the final. His composure and tactical awareness allowed him to exploit Djokovic’s limited mobility effectively.
A Historic Final Awaits
The Australian Open final promises to be a captivating battle of skill and determination. Sinner, who has already made history as the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam, is now eyeing a successful title defense. Meanwhile, Zverev, who has often been tipped as a future Grand Slam champion, will look to finally deliver on his potential.
As the tennis world watches, the clash between Sinner and Zverev is set to be a thrilling conclusion to an Australian Open filled with drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
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