'Don't boo': Alexander Zverev scolds crowd after hostile reaction to Novak Djokovic retirement
Updated . First published at
MELBOURNE: German star Alexander Zverev was stunned by Novak Djokovic's retirement immediately after the first set of their Australian Open semi-final, but he was just as shocked by the crowd's reaction as Rod Laver Arena turned hostile toward the Serbian champion.
Djokovic's retirement handed Alexander Zverev an easy pathway into the men's final, after the 10-time champion dumped a volley into the net to hand Zverev the first set 7-5 in a tiebreaker, but there was to be no celebrations from the world No.2 who is still chasing his first major title.
Djokovic was injured in his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz, but for much of the first set of the semi-final the only noticeable difference in the superstar was the heavy strapping on his left thigh. It became apparent after the match that his high level was disguising a torn muscle and after dropping the first set he felt unable to continue.
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That prompted Djokovic to come to the net and offer an outstretched hand as he ended the match to the clear surprise of the packed Rod Laver Arena, with the crowd turning on him with boos and jeers ringing out. And Zverev jumped to the 37-year-old's defence immediately afterwards in his on-court interview.
"The very first thing I want to say is please, guys, don't boo a player when he goes out with an injury," Zverev said in his on-court interview with Nine's Jim Courier.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Alexander Zverev of Germany after their semi final. Getty
"I know everyone paid for tickets and everyone wants to see hopefully a great five-set match.
"But ... Novak Djokovic is someone who has given to this sport for the past 20 years absolutely everything of his life."
It wasn't just Djokovic's opponent who expressed disappointment at the crowd's reaction.
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"They can't possibly be booing him. Please!" said Nine's John McEnroe as Djokovic left Rod Laver Arena.
"He's won this 10 times, for god's sakes. Unreal."
After the match, McEnroe doubled-down on the crowd criticism.
"He's won this 10 times. I mean, come on. I mean, clearly something was up," McEnroe said.
Novak Djokovic. Getty
"The guy is a battler. I mean, him and Rafa (Nadal) have dug deeper than any two players I have seen.
"... So to do that (boo), because he decided that he couldn't go on after what he's done here I thought was absolutely ludicrous, honestly."
