Novak Djokovic Unsure If Andy Murray Partnership Will Go On After Australian Open Exit

Novak Djokovic retired injured after losing the first set against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-final to extend his wait for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic exited the Australian Open 2025 (AP)

Novak Djokovic would not commit to working with Andy Murray again as his coach after the Serb retired from the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday with injury.

The 10-time Melbourne Park champion had just lost a first-set tiebreak to Alexander Zverev when he called it a day, unable to continue with a thigh muscle tear sustained earlier in the tournament.

Djokovic enlisted five-time Melbourne Park finalist Murray to help his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title.

It seemed to be working as Djokovic outsmarted Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, despite the injury.

“I don’t know," said Djokovic when asked by reporters if the two tennis greats, who have 27 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic golds between them, might team up again.

“You know, we both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about the future steps. We are so fresh off the court.

“I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me. You know, give him my feedback, which is, of course, positive, and see how he feels and we make the next step."

Djokovic said that with emotions running high after such a dramatic end to his tournament, it would be better to wait for the dust to settle before taking any rash decisions.

“We are still hot-headed and disappointed, so it’s kind of hard to switch the page and start talking about what the next steps are," said Djokovic.

“I think we both need to cool off a little bit and then we’ll have a chat."

There were doubts about Djokovic’s left thigh following his taxing quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz when he took a lengthy medical timeout after the first set against the Spaniard.

The 37-year-old Serb skipped a training session on the eve of the semi-final and entered Rod Laver Arena for the afternoon match with the thigh strapped.

But there was little indication he was struggling until late in the set when he began trudging slowly between points and muttering in frustration at his players’ box.

He gave up the set by hammering a regulation forehand volley into the net and promptly walked to Zverev’s side to shake hands and embrace the German, leaving the crowd gasping.

With a rueful expression, Djokovic held two thumbs up and clapped at the terraces but there was a round of boos as the 10-times champion made his exit.

Djokovic later said he had been trying to nurse a torn muscle and he was in increasing pain as the set wore on.

“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," the Serb told reporters.

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“I don’t think I had that, unfortunately, today in the tank."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Location :
Melbourne

First Published:
January 24, 2025, 12:08 IST