In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic announced his retirement from professional tennis following his withdrawal from the semi-final match against Alexander Zverev. The 37-year-old Serbian star, who has secured 24 Grand Slam titles, cited a torn muscle in his left leg as the immediate cause for his decision.
The injury first emerged during Djokovic’s quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz, where he sustained a muscle tear in his left thigh. Despite extensive treatment and efforts to manage the injury, Djokovic found himself unable to continue during the semi-final match. After losing a closely contested first set in a tie-breaker, he made the difficult decision to retire from the match, acknowledging the increasing pain and physical limitations.
Following his withdrawal, Djokovic addressed the media, expressing uncertainty about his future in the sport. He stated, “I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes.” This statement has led to widespread speculation about the possibility of his retirement from professional tennis.
In response to the unfolding situation, Djokovic’s wife, Jelena Djokovic, provided insight into the personal challenges they have been facing. She revealed that the family has been dealing with private health issues, which have taken a toll on Djokovic both physically and emotionally. Jelena emphasized the importance of prioritizing well-being and family, stating, “Novak has always given 110 percent to his career and his fans. But there comes a time when you have to prioritize your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones.”
The tennis community has been quick to react to the news. Alexander Zverev, Djokovic’s opponent in the semi-final, defended him against the crowd’s negative reaction, highlighting Djokovic’s significant contributions to the sport over the past two decades. Zverev remarked, “Novak has done absolutely everything he could on the tennis court in the last 20 years.”
As Djokovic steps away from the professional circuit, his legacy as one of tennis’s greatest players remains firmly intact. His decision underscores the often-overlooked personal struggles athletes face and serves as a reminder of the importance of health and family above all else.
