Retiring Novak Djokovic booed as Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton bid for Australian Open final - live
Novak Djokovic dramatically retired from his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev after being unable to play through a torn muscle in his upper left leg before admitting there is a “chance” may have played at the tournament for the final time.
The 37-year-old conceded the match immediately after putting a simple volley into the net on set point, and was strangely booed by some sections of the crowd when walking off the court despite clearly struggling with the injury during the 82-minute opener.
Djokovic sustained the injury during his dramatic comeback win over Carlos Alcaraz in Tuesday’s quarter-finals, where he played through pain, and admitted he did not have anything left in the tank after being unable to train on Wednesday or Thursday.
While the injury ended his bid for a record 25th grand slam title in Melbourne and cast doubt over his future, Djokovic insisted that he is determined to come back and compete for more trophies. “I’ll keep going. I’ll keep striving to win more slams,” he said. “And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around.”
His retirement means Zverev advances to his first Australian Open final, where the German second seed will face either defending champion and World No 1 Jannik Sinner or big-serving American Ben Shelton on Sunday.
Follow the latest updates from the Australian Open semi-finals in our live blog below:
Djokovic v Zverev - Australian Open live updates
Novak Djokovic retires injured in Australian Open semi-finals
Alexander Zverev through as Djokovic retires after losing first set
Retiring Djokovic then booed as Zverev tells off Australian Open crowd
Djokovic hints at final Australian Open after injury: ‘There is a chance’
Djokovic and Andy Murray to discuss ‘next steps’ after sudden end to coaching run
Defending champion Jannik Sinner plays Ben Shelton in second semi-final
Madison Keys to play champion Aryna Sabalenka in women's singles final tomorrow
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 3-3 Ben Shelton
09:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Ben Shelton is having to play lights out just to keep Jannik Sinner at an arm’s length. The American saves a second break point in this game with a brilliant drop shot right onto the line, which Sinner can only reach on the stretch. Sinner actually landed quite awkardly, with his legs apart, but he seems to be ok.
Shelton holds behind serve from there. He pumps his fist and has turned up for this semi-final.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 2-2 Ben Shelton
09:08 , Jamie Braidwood
A wayward backhand from Shelton and Sinner gets back level! The Italian was dominant on serve and then put pressure on Shelton on the returns, to earn the immediate break back. Shelton needs a bit more consistency in the rallies, as Sinner’s level rises following a slow start.
Australian Open: *Jannik Sinner 0-2 Ben Shelton
09:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Shelton lets out a roar as he survives a long deuce game to consolidate the early break of serve. Sinner threatened the break as Shelton made a few unforced errors, but the 21st seed came through as his forehand did the work, finding another pass around the advancing Italian.
Australian Open: BREAK! Jannik Sinner 0-1 Ben Shelton*
08:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Ok.... We have a break in the opening game of the match and it goes to Ben Shelton! Jannik Sinner makes a nervy start behind serve, giving Shelton two break points after a backhand into the net.
Shelton takes advantage as he finds the forehand winner down the line, as Sinner pushed into the net and the American produces the lefty strike. That will settle the 22-year-old.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton
08:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Ben Shelton won his first ever meeting with Jannik Sinner, on a hard court at Shanghai in 2023.
But the World No 1 has won all four of their matches since, including in the last-16 of Wimbledon last year.
Sinner will serve to get us underway.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton
08:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Alex de Minaur provided an insight into what it’s like facing Jannik Sinner after his brutal 6-3 6-2 6-1 defeat to the Italian on Wednesday. The defending champion looked unstoppable and De Minaur agreed that he is looking like a red-hot favourite.
“He’s built this aura up from beating everyone,” De Minaur said. “It’s not like he’s just had a good week here or good week there. He’s just beaten everyone.
“I think the best way to describe it is the fact that he was able to play Novak here and play pretty flawless, and, again, not give him too many games, right? Novak out here is probably the best player to have ever played on these courts, right?
“The fact that he’s got this top level that he can do this to players, it’s pretty tough. You go into the match, and you know it’s going to be a battle, it’s going to be tough, you’re going to try different things.
“But then you’re an hour and 30 in, and you’re struggling to win games, and you’re trying to find ways to get on the board. It’s pretty surreal.”
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton
08:30 , Jamie Braidwood
We have another Australian Open semi-final coming up, as defending champion Jannik Sinner faces Ben Shelton for a place in Sunday’s final.
While Alexander Zverev has his feet up, following Novak Djokovic’s abrupt retirement, Sinner and Shelton will expect to go the distance on Rod Laver Arena.
Sinner has won 12 matches in a row at Melbourne Park after winning his first grand slam title last year and the World No 1 was in stunning form as he destroyed Alex de Minuar in the quarter-finals.
Shelton is a rising star and plays in his second grand slam semi-final. The American has one of the biggest serves in the sport and has an explosive game that could test the top seed.
Alexander Zverev through to first Australian Open final
08:17 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev will have the chance to win his first grand slam title with the German second seed through to the Australian Open final for the first time.
The 27-year-old is widely regarded as the best men’s player in the world yet to win a grand slam and he will play in his third grand slam final.
Zverev lost in the 2020 US Open final to Dominic Theim, when he was two points away from the match, and in last year’s French Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
He will either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton on Sunday and will certainly have the advantage of only playing for 82 minutes in the semi-finals.
Novak Djokovic gives update on extent of leg injury
08:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic did not rule out appearing at the Qatar Open in Doha, which begins on 17 February, as the 37-year-old discussed his next steps after injury.
“I have to examine it more. When I go back home now to Europe, I will get together with the medical team and my physios and try to understand what we can do and the quickest way to recover and get back on track.
“I still have Doha tournament in few weeks’ time that is scheduled. Whether I’m going to play it or not, it really does depend on how quickly I recover.
“But I had success with quick recoveries in the past. Let’s see. It just depends on the muscle and how it responds to the treatment.”
Novak Djokovic on injury: ‘Pain was too much to handle’
07:46 , Jamie Braidwood
“I didn’t hit a ball since Alcaraz match, so until like an hour before today’s match. I did everything I possibly can to basically manage the muscle tear that I had, medications and the strap, and the physio work helped to some extent today.
“But towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain. It was too much to handle for me at the moment. Unfortunate ending, but I tried
“If I won the first set, maybe I would try [to play on]. Maybe a few more games, half a set, maybe a set. I don’t know. It was getting worse and worse.
“I knew even if I won the first set, that it’s going to be a huge uphill battle for me to stay physically fit enough to stay with him in the rallies for another God knows what, two, three, four hours.
“I don’t think I had that, unfortunately, today in the tank.”
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to discuss ‘next steps’ after sudden end to coaching run
07:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic and coach Andy Murray will discuss their future together after injury brought the Serbian’s bid for a 25th grand slam title to a premature end at the Australian Open.
Djokovic shocked the tennis world last year when appointed former rival Murray as his coach on a short-term agreement through to the end of the first grand slam of the season.
Murray admitted the offer took him by surprise after telling friends that he did not plan on turning to coaching following his retirement from the game.
But Djokovic said he would only have “positive” feedback for Murray, and praised his impact following the quarter-final win over his young rival Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to discuss next steps after sudden end to coaching run
Novak Djokovic backs Alexander Zverev to win Australian Open
07:16 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said he “liked his chances” of reaching the Australian Open final if he was physically fit and says he now wants Alexander Zverev to lift his first grand slam title.
“I actually thought I played really well, as well as I played the last 12 months, to be honest,” Djokovic said.
“Of course, it was never going to be an easy battle, an easy match for me. Neither it was for Sascha, even if I was not injured.
“But as I said, I think I was striking the ball very well. A lot of positives to take in terms of how I reached the semi-finals. It’s a very good result considering the circumstances.
“But it’s not satisfying to me, for my standards. I always look for the highest goal, to reach the finals and fight for a trophy.
“I wish Sascha all the best. He deserves his first slam. I’ll be cheering for him. Hopefully he can get it.”
Djokovic promises ‘I will keep striving to win more slams’
06:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic when asked if he is concerned that injuries are getting in the way of his quest to win a 25th grand slam, as he approaches the age of 38.
“How much of a worry is it? I don’t know. It’s not like I’m worrying about approaching every grand slam now whether I’m going to get injured or not, but statistics are against me in a way in the last couple of years.
“So it is true that, you know, I’ve been getting injured quite a bit last few years. I don’t know what exactly is the reason for that. Maybe there are several different factors.
“But I’ll keep going. I’ll keep striving to win more slams. And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around.”
Djokovic hints at retirement after Australian Open injury: ‘There is a chance’
06:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic admitted there is a “chance” he has played at the Australian Open for the final time after retiring injured from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
The 37-year-old, who was bidding to win a 25th grand slam title and become the oldest men’s champion of all time, conceded the match after losing the first-set tiebreak to Zverev, to a chorus of boos on the Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic sustained a muscle tear in his upper left leg during his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday and admitted he did not have anything left in the tank after attempting to play through the pain.
The 10-time Australian Open champion has now exited the tournament in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year, while last year’s French Open run was also ended by injury after sustaining damage to his knee ligaments.
Novak Djokovic hints at retirement after Australian Open injury: ‘There is a chance’
Retiring Djokovic booed as Zverev tells off Australian Open crowd
06:17 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic dramatically retired from his Australian Open semi-final to a chorus of boos from sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd as opponent Alexander Zverev called for “respect” to be shown to the 10-time champion.
Djokovic immediately shook hands with Zverev upon losing the first-set tiebreak after struggling with a torn muscle in his upper left leg, sustained in his quarter-final comeback over third seed Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old, who was bidding to become the oldest grand slam champion of all time in Melbourne, held his thumbs up as he departed the court but there were a few jeers from the crowd as the match ended far earlier than expected.
Retiring Novak Djokovic booed as Alexander Zverev tells off Australian Open crowd
Djokovic’s growing trend of injuries at grand slams
06:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic’s wait for a record 25th grand slam title goes on. Although he won the Olympics in August, his last title at the grand slams was the US Open in September 2023, and his retirement here means injury has cost the Serbian a chance at the trophy in two of the last five grand slam tournaments.
2024 Australian Open: Lost in semi-finals to Jannik Sinner
2024 French Open: Withdrew from tournament due to knee injury
2024 Wimbledon: Lost in final to Carlos Alcaraz
2024 US Open: Lost in third round to Alexei Popyrin
2025 Australian Open: Retired in semi-finals against Zverev with leg injury
Djokovic on Australian Open retirement
05:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic said after his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz that he would have retired from the match if he had lost the second set.
He now says he would have tried to continue against Zverev if had had won the first set, but admits the idea of playing four or even five sets was too much.
“I didn’t hit a ball since Alcaraz match, so until like an hour before today’s match. I did everything I possibly can to basically manage the muscle tear that I had, medications and the strap, and the physio work helped to some extent today.
“But towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain. It was too much, I guess, to handle for me at the moment. Unfortunate ending, but I tried.
“If I won the first set, maybe I would try a few more games, half a set, maybe a set. I don’t know. It was getting worse and worse.
“I knew even if I won the first set, that it’s going to be a huge uphill battle for me to stay physically fit enough to stay with him in the rallies, you know, for another God knows what, two, three, four hours.
“I don’t think I had that, unfortunately, today in the tank.”
Djokovic retires from Australian Open semi-final
05:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is already through to his post-match press conference. He is asked whether this could be his final Australian Open, with Djokovic turning 38 in May.
“There is a chance, who knows. I will have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going but whether I’m going to have revised schedule or not, I don’t know. If I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I will always come here.”
Djokovic retires from Australian Open semi-final
05:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev on Novak Djokovic’s injury and the respect he has for the 24-time grand slam champion.
“I actually thought it was quite a high level first set. I mean of course you notice some difficulties and the more you keep playing the worse it gets. In the tiebreak he was maybe not moving as well as he was during the first set. I thought we had extremely long, physical rallies. In the tiebreak I maybe did see him struggle a bit more. But look, I’m happy to be in the final of the Australian Open, through to the final of a grand slam.
“On the other hand, to be completely honest, there’s no guy on the tour that I respect more than Novak, he has been one of the my closest friends on tour and whenever I have struggled he has been there to text and been there for advice. I was speaking to him for hours last year after I was struggling mentally after the US Open. I wanted this to be five sets. He’s won this tournament 10 times and I respect him a lot.”
Djokovic retires from Australian Open semi-final
05:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Not the way that Alexander Zverev wanted to reach his first Australian Open final.
“The very first thing I want to say is please guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with an injury. I know that everybody paid for tickets and wants to see a five-set match but you got to understand Novak Djokovic is somebody who for the past 20 years has given his life to tennis. He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, he has won this tournament with a hamstring tear, if he cannot continue a tennis match, he cannot continue a tennis match. So please guys, be respectful. Show some love for Novak as well.”
Classy words from the German.
Djokovic retires from Australian Open semi-final
05:15 , Jamie Braidwood
And there goes the chance for a 12th Australian Open and 25th grand slam. Cruel.
Djokovic retires from Australian Open semi-final
05:08 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s the match. Extraordinary finish.
Djokovic waves to the crowd and puts his thumbs up.
Zverev is through to the final.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
05:07 , Jamie Braidwood
DJOKOVIC NETS ON THE SIMPLE FOREHAND ON SET POINT.
AND HE AND ZVEREV ARE SHAKING HANDS AT THE NET! DJOKOVIC HAS RETIRED!
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
05:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic 6-6 Alexander Zverev
Djokovic replies to a Zverev ace with one of his own out wide. Djokovic then finds the lob over Zverev after the big German was dragged in short by the drop-shot! Djokovic 5-4 ahead.
Two big points for Zverev on serve. He finds the big serve down the middle on the first, and Djokovic can’t return. Zverev has to adjust to the net-cord from Djokovic, eventually finding the forehand strike past Djokovic.
Suddenly it’s set point Zverev at 5-6, but with Djokovic to serve.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
05:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic 6-6 Alexander Zverev
Zverev starts off with two big points behind serve, swarming the net to put away the volley and then smash. Djokovic replies with an excellent angled backhand, forcing Zverev into the miss. And he follows it by finding his spot on the wide serve. Zverev misses on the forehand.
Djokovic moves well to reach the Zverev smash, but the German puts away the next overhead.
3-3 at the change of ends.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev holds! Tiebreak! Novak Djokovic 6-6 Alexander Zverev
Zverev lands the big backhand winner but catching the very back of the baseline. Then Zverev blasts the backhand straight at Djokovic at the net! Djokovic takes it, and mutters to himself as he returns to the baseline. 40-0. Djokovic does not move as Zverev puts the forehand into the open court.
There is a big difference to how this match feels when compared to the quarter-final between Djokovic and Alcaraz. The young Spaniard was able to put Djokovic under pressure when he was struggling, forcing the 37-year-old to find his best level and raise it. Zverev has not managed to take control despite Djokovic looking below-par.
Can the German change that in the tiebreak?
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic holds! Novak Djokovic 6-5 Alexander Zverev*
Djokovic looks to be struggling when having to get low, as he nets on his backhand slice on the opening point. Zverev does not do enough with the drop shot and Djokovic finds the forehand pass.
Zverev spins a volley wide and then can’t return Djokovic’s precise first serve up the middle. 40-15. Zverev coughs up the error on the forehand side.
Djokovic has not been comfortable in this set but he is through to the tiebreak at least. Can Zverev join him?
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:49 , Jamie Braidwood
* Novak Djokovic 5-5 Alexander Zverev
Zverev with the comfortable hold, after being able to move Djokovic from side to side. He then winces playing a drop shot into the net. Zverev slams an ace onto the middle service line.
We’ve been playing for over an hour. While there have been break points in this set, the tiebreak looks likely.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic holds! Novak Djokovic 5-4 Alexander Zverev*
Zverev approaches the net but Djokovic finds the backhand pass with a short, sharp bunt down the line. Djokovic looks uneasy on his leg as he nets on the forehand, with Zverev hanging on.
Excellent from Djokovic! He steps in and steers the forehand winner past Zverev, who was nowhere near. Ace out wide from Djokovic! He holds another long game while saving break point.
The German has had five break point chances but has hardly threatened on any of them. The 10-time champion looks a little vulnerable on that leg but Zverev, so far, has not been able to take advantage.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic 4-4 Alexander Zverev*
Djokovic pushes the volley long and then crashes a forehand into the net, so he too will have to look at 15-30 on serve.
Suddenly Djokovic can’t get his first serve firing, but Zverev’s backhand coughs up another error on a big point, drifting long during the rally.
30-30, but this time Djokovic misses! His backhand misfires at the end of a 22-shot rally, squirming wide as he looked for the down the line shot.
Break point Zverev. But Djokovic stands firm. He does enough to push Zverev wide on his backhand, which drifts wide.
Deuce.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev holds! *Novak Djokovic 4-4 Alexander Zverev
Zverev presents a chance to Djokovic as he makes a strange approach to the net, allowing his opponent an easy pass, before making his first double fault of the match.
It’s followed by two aces in a row to get from 15-30 to 40-30. Djokovic drifts the backhand long on the wide serve and Zverev levels at 4-4 as we approach the business end of the first set.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic holds! Novak Djokovic 4-3 Alexander Zverev*
Zverev looks frustrated again as a forehand drifts long on the return. Djokovic looked to have closed the net and taken the game with a deep volley into the corner, but Zverev strides up to it and finds the forehand pass crosscourt.
Djokovic comes into the net again but Zverev is once more able to find the pass, this time for a backhand winner! From 40-15 to deuce. Djokovic switches it up behind the drop shot and Zverev can’t get under the ball to lift it over the net.
Solid serve from Djokovic up the middle and Zverev can’t return. His serving level is getting back to its usual figures.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:24 , Jamie Braidwood
*Novak Djokovic 3-3 Alexander Zverev
Zverev covers the net behind his serve and then thumps his fourth and fifth aces of the match to earn himself a rapid hold. Back over to Djokovic.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:21 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic 3-2 Alexander Zverev*
Djokovic finds a few first serves to get a much more comfortable hold. Djokovic has won seven of the first nine points on his first serve.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev holds! *Novak Djokovic 2-2 Alexander Zverev
After all that, can Djokovic break Zverev at the first opportunity? The German makes back-to-back errors on the backhand side and faces 0-40.
Djokovic is just wide on the angled backhand, and then Zverev lands the ace out wide to save the second. How about the third?
Amazing defence from Djokovic to retrieve two smashes from Zverev after he took over the point, but the German finds his way through on the third, and gets back to deuce.
Ace! Game point Zverev. There’s a scramble at the net as Djokovic comes in and meets the Zverev pass, but the German has quick hands and Djokovic goes wide.
Djokovic can’t take his chances, either.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic holds! Novak Djokovic 2-1 Alexander Zverev*
Djokovic saves four break points to hold, in a 12-minute service game! But it would be more accurate to say that Zverev failed to break: it’s rather summed up by Zverev framing a forehand at the net, sending it deep into the stands.
Djokovic has made just four of his first 20 first serves through his first two games. But despite facing 20% serving and aving four break points, Zverev can’t take advantage. He made bad errors on forehand and backhand sides too on the big points.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic 1-1 Alexander Zverev*
Djokovic faces a second break point but Zverev hangs his head after crashing another backhand into the net during the rally.
He will get a third chance, though, after finding an angled backhand return and then stepping up to put away the backhand winner crosscourt.
Djokovic finds a first serve this time and steps up to thrash the forehand down the line. Zverev nets, but there was no error this time.
But Zverev just won’t go away! A brilliant half-volley forces Djokovic into the miss at the net, and sets up a fourth break point.
Another chance missed! Zverev looks frustrated again with another error on break point, this time the forehand sailing long!
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
04:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic 1-1 Alexander Zverev*
Zverev waits to meet the Djokovic second serve and steers the backhand winner down the line to move to 0-30. A chance at the early break here?
Djokovic’s serve comes to life, just as it did in the quarter-final against Alcaraz. He finds his spots out wide and then down the middle to get back to 30-30.
But Zverev will have a look at the first break point as Djokovic nets on the backhand mid-rally. Zverev finds the deep return, but then nets on the forehand. Deuce.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:57 , Jamie Braidwood
*Novak Djokovic 1-1 Alexander Zverev
Zverev finds his first ace of the match to move up 30-15, then lands the serve and forehand one-two strike to put the winner past Djokovic from inside the baseline. Djokovic misfires on the backhand return and the German gets on the board.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic 1-0 Alexander Zverev*
Zverev crunches a backhand winner on the opening point after a couple of strokes. How’s Djokovic moving? Pretty well actually, early on. He wins a 27-shot rally on the second point of the semi-final as Zverev goes wide on a backhand, then he steers a backhand winner down the line.
That’s extraordinary! Zverev clips the net-cord, and the ball drops dead. But Djokovic races to meet it, steering the pick-up at the angle. Zverev pushes it around the net, but Djokovic meets it, and Zverev nets! What a point to start and Andy Murray smiles as he claps along.
That left leg held up pretty well on the sprint to the net.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:47 , Jamie Braidwood
*Novak Djokovic 0-0 Alexander Zverev
Djokovic will serve first to start us off.
It’s a bright day in Melbourne with clear blue skies overhead, but a light wind means it’s not too hot. Interesting choice from Zverev to let Djokovic serve first here. We’re underway.
*denotes next server
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Here come the players! Alexander Zverev wins the toss and... elects to receive!
A quick warm-up and then the men’s semi-finals will begin.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! Novak Djokovic is waiting in the tunnel before stepping out into the blazing sunlight on the Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic does not play many day sessions at the Australian Open, but he and Alexander Zverev played their quarter-final on Tuesday so will have their semi-final before Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton.
Djokovic exchanged a quick kiss and farewell with wife Jelena and a fist bump with tournament director. He has heavy strapping on his left thigh and is doing his final streches while we wait for Zverev.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:30 , Jamie Braidwood
The Australian Open semi-finals are underway, with the opening grand slam of the season bursting with storylines as the second week of the tournament progresses.
Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka return as defending champions and both World No 1s remain the favourites to defend their titles.
Where can I watch the Australian Open? TV channel and how to stream online
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Interestingly, both Djokovic and Zverev lost at the Australian Open semi-finals last season. Djokovic was beaten by Jannik Sinner in last year’s day session, before Zverev was beaten by Daniil Medvedev after leading him by two sets.
Zverev’s path to the semi-finals has been far more straight-forward this year with just one set dropped so far. For Djokovic, much depends on the injury he picked up against Alcaraz. The 37-year-old is playing in his 12th Australian Open semi-final, and he’s only lost one. That was last year to Sinner.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
03:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic vs Zverev head-to-head
Djokovic leads the head-to-head with Zverev 8-4 ahead of their 13th career meetings.
Three of those have come at grand slam level, with Djokovic beating Zverev in the 2021 Australian Open quarter-finals and 2021 US Open semi-finals.
Zverev has claimed big wins against Djokovic, though, particulary the Olympics semi-final in 2021 and ATP Finals in 2018.
This is just their second match since the end of the 2021 season, and first since the semi-finals of Cincinnati in 2023.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
02:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic on facing Alexander Zverev
“It’s definitely going to be challenging from every aspect. I mean, I’m playing Zverev, who is in a great form, and he is going for his first grand slam. He’s been close.
“I think he loves the conditions. He’s got big serve. He’s super dangerous opponent on this surface against anyone.”
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
02:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic’s path to Australian Open semi-finals
Novak Djokovic has been much sharper since dropping sets in both of his opening victories against inexperienced opponents in Melbourne.
After admitting he was outplayed at times by American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy and Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, Djokovic knew he had to wake up.
And he returned to form to dismiss the challenge of Czech threats Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka, and in convincing fashion, too. He was in grand-slam winning form against Carlos Alcaraz.
R1: vs Basavareddy (WC) 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2
R2: vs Faria (Q) 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-2
R3: vs Machac (26) 6-1 6-4 6-4
R4: vs Lehecka (24) 6-3 6-4 7-6
QF: vs Alcaraz (3): 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
02:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic on his injury “concern”.
“I’m concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.
“This match drains both players. Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible battle, of high intensity, of course it has its toll.
“At the same time I think it has more toll on the physical side rather than mental and emotional. Actually it feels like you’re feeding off this kind of win.
“That’s how I feel now. I hope to be able physically to be moving freely and to be able to be ready to play five sets.”
Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind heated Andy Murray celebration: ‘We face challenges every day’
01:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said he chose to turn to Andy Murray after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open as a “gesture of appreciation” for his coach.
Djokovic defied an upper leg injury to defeat Alcaraz in four sets in a battle the 10-time champion described as one of the fiercest he has fought in Melbourne.
After winning match point at nearly 1am, Djokovic turned to his coaching box and roared directly at Murray before shaking hands with Alcaraz at the net.
Djokovic appointed former rival Murray as his coach for the Australian Open and this was the partnership’s most significant moment yet.
Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind heated Andy Murray celebration
Carlos Alcaraz reveals ‘biggest mistake’ he made in defeat to Novak Djokovic
01:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he made a “big mistake” in his Australian Open quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic when he saw his opponent was struggling with injury during the second set.
Djokovic managed to battle from a set down to reach a 12th Australian Open in a vintage display from the 37-year-old, but Alcaraz said he let the Serbian back into the match by taking his foot off the gas in the second set.
Djokovic took a medical timeout late in the first set, leaving the court before returning with strapping around his left leg, and Alcaraz said he thought the match against the 24-time grand slam champion would be “easier” from there.
Djokovic admitted he would have retired from the match had he gone two sets down to Alcaraz, but he started to play more aggressively in the rallies and survived to level the match before the painkillers kicked in at the start of the third set.
Carlos Alcaraz reveals ‘biggest mistake’ he made in defeat to Novak Djokovic
No Thursday practice for Novak Djokovic as he manages thigh injury
01:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic skipped practice at Melbourne Park for the second day in a row ahead of his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday.
The Serbian admitted he was concerned about his physical condition after sustaining a left thigh injury during his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
It was no surprise that Djokovic did not practise on site on Wednesday but, having been on the schedule on Thursday, his session was then removed.
He is due to hit on Friday lunchtime in preparation for the semi-final but it remains to be seen to what extent he will have been able to recover for his second clash in a row against a top-three opponent.
No Thursday practice for Novak Djokovic as he manages thigh injury
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
00:45 , Jamie Braidwood
When is Novak Djokovic v Alex Zverev?
The match takes place on Friday 24 January and is set to be on first on Rod Laver Arena, with a start time scheduled for 3:30am GMT.
How to watch the Australian Open
In the UK, the Australian Open will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Subscribers can also stream the action online on the Eurosport website or with the discovery+ app.
Djokovic v Zverev LIVE: Australian Open updates
00:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic faces up to Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open as the Serbian chases a historic 25th grand slam title.
Djokovic is aiming to become the oldest slam winner of all time, with what would be the 37-year-old’s 11th title in Melbourne having captured his first in 2008. He beat Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling semi-final and embraced new coach Andy Murray in emotional scenes at the finish.
Zverev, the second seed, is bidding for a first grand slam title, having reached the semis in Melbourne three times and having previously lost finals at both Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows.
The winner will play either Ben Shelton or Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final.
