Alexander Zverev managed to reach the final of the Australian Open after Novak Djokovic withdrew from the match due to physical problems at the end of the first set. Djokovic, ranked seventh, decided to leave the court after playing for one hour and 22 minutes, with a final score of 7-6 in favor of Zverev.
In statements to the press, Djokovic admitted that if he had won the first set, he would have continued, but the situation worsened. Despite dominating in points, the German gained the upper hand over Djokovic. The Serbian commented: "I did everything I could to manage the muscle tear I suffered. The medications, the physiotherapist's work, and the bandaging helped, but only to a certain extent. Towards the end of the first set, I started to feel more pain".
This withdrawal caused boos from the audience present at the Rod Laver Arena. Zverev, who will seek his first victory in a Grand Slam, will face either Italian Jannik Sinner or American Ben Shelton in the final this Sunday. Zverev has only lost two sets in the tournament, to France's Ugo Humbert and America's Tommy Paul.
Zverev mentioned that before the match with Djokovic, he had not trained since his previous match. Djokovic's medical condition was decisive in the outcome of the match, leaving Zverev with the chance to seek glory in the final of the Australian Open.
