Key Takeaways:

• Novak Djokovic retired injured during the Australian Open semi-final after losing the first set to Alexander Zverev.
• Djokovic was aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title, but his retirement raises concerns about his future in the sport.
• Alexander Zverev defended Djokovic against boos from the crowd, emphasizing respect for injured players.
• Despite his injury, Djokovic expressed his intention to continue competing for more Grand Slam titles.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic's quest for a record-extending 11th title at the Australian Open was abruptly halted when he retired injured during his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev. Djokovic, aiming for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam victory, initially battled through a tight first set before succumbing to a muscle tear in his left leg, retiring after losing the set 7-6(5).

Upon retiring, Djokovic was visibly frustrated as he was met with a chorus of boos from some fans in attendance at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. In an emotional moment, the 37-year-old Serb waved to the crowd, giving them a thumbs-up, despite the negative reception. After the match, Zverev echoed the sentiment of the tennis community by urging fans not to boo injured players, highlighting Djokovic's significant contributions to the sport over two decades. He stated, "Please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury," during his on-court interview, garnering applause from the audience.

Djokovic, who suffered the injury during his recent quarter-final victory against Carlos Alcaraz, acknowledged the severity of his condition, saying, "I just started feeling more and more pain. It was too much for me to handle." He confirmed that he had come into the match with his thigh heavily taped but had hoped to manage the discomfort through the match.

As Djokovic reflected on his future, he expressed uncertainty about returning to the Australian Open next year, stating, "I don't know. There is a chance. Who knows? I'll just have to see how the season goes." Shadows of doubt linger regarding his longevity in the sport, particularly as injuries have increasingly plagued his efforts in recent years.

The defeat leaves Djokovic tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles at 24, and his last major win came at the 2023 US Open. Meanwhile, Zverev will advance to the final, seeking his first Grand Slam title against the winner of the clash between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton, both highly regarded players in the current tennis landscape. For Djokovic, it remains a moment of contemplation as he considers his next steps in a career that has already secured his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.

For ongoing coverage of the Australian Open and results, visit AP News.