Jannik Sinner defended Novak Djokovic's decision to retire during his semifinal match at the 2025 Australian Open.

An ailing leg leads to an abrupt finish for the 24-time major winner, who’s a 10-time winner in Melbourne.

Spectators booed as the 37-year-old Djokovic walked off toward the locker room, and he stopped, turned around and responded by giving two thumbs-up.

Novak Djokovic left Rod Laver Arena to boos after dramatically pulling the plug on his Australian Open campaign a set into his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

In a stunning development at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic withdrew because of injury after losing the first set of his semifinal match versus Alexander Zverev. Zverev, the No. 2 seed, won a grueling first set in a 7–6 tiebreaker that lasted one hour and 26 minutes.

Novak Djokovic retired injured after losing the first set 7-6(5) against Alexander Zverev on Friday to put the German through to his first Australian Open final and extend his wait for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Zverev will face defending Australian Open champion and No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner, who beat American Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2, in Sunday's final. Zverev is pursuing his first major tournament title.

The Australian Open semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev came to a shocking conclusion late Thursday night for fans watching in the United States when Djokovic retired due to injury after a thrilling first set.