Alexander Zverev, right, of Germany shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo: AP/Ng Han Guan Alexander Zverev, right, of Germany shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Djokovic retired from their semifinal match at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo: AP/Ng Han Guan Alexander Zverev progressed to the Australian Open 2025 final after his semi-finalist opponent Novak Djokovic retired at the Rod Laver Arena on Fridayye7, January 24. (Match Blog | Full Coverage)
progressive slotsThe 10-time Australian Open champion shook hands with the German and the chair umpire after a 81-minute first set that went in favour of Zverev who won 7-6.
Not how we wanted your campaign to end, @djokernole.Thank you for another wonderful Australian summer. Well played and best wishes for a speedy recovery.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/d5VJ6YNBeN
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2025This is the first time Zverev has reached the final at the Australian Open and the only the third time the former has reached a Grand Slam tie.
However, the German was not happy after the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena booing Djokovic's decision to retire in the semi-final.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz Reflects Proudly After Novak Djokovic Showdown“The very first thing I want to say is, please guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury,” Zverev said in his on-court interview.
“I know that everybody paid for tickets and wants to see hopefully a five-set match. He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear, won this tournament with a hamstring injury. So please show some respect,” he added.
The No. 2-seeded Zverev reached his first title match at Melbourne Park and will face the winner of Friday’s second semifinal between No. 1 Jannik Sinner of Italy, the defending champion, and No. 21 Ben Shelton of the United States.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm and stated: "This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.
"It is a great honour to be nominated for the FIH Player of the Year Award againye7," the Indian defender stated in a Hockey India release.