‘You deserve the title’: Novak Djokovic wishes for Alexander Zverev’s Australian Open win after injury forces walkover

Novak Djokovic expressed his heartfelt support for Alexander Zverev after being forced to withdraw from their Australian Open semi-final due to injury, paving the way for Zverev’s advancement to the final. After suffering a hamstring injury during the tournament, Djokovic was unable to continue after losing the first set to Zverev in a tiebreak, resulting in a walkover.

Following the match, Djokovic took to social media to congratulate Zverev and wish him the best for the final. “You deserve the title,” Djokovic wrote. “It’s never easy to see a match end this way, but I know how hard you’ve worked to get to this point. Best of luck in the final, and I hope to see you lift that trophy.”

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, had been chasing his 25th Grand Slam title but was stopped short by his injury. Despite the disappointment, he extended his support to Zverev, recognizing the German’s efforts and resilience throughout the tournament.

Zverev, now through to his first Australian Open final, will face the winner of the second semi-final between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton, with Djokovic’s message adding an extra layer of motivation as he vies for his first Grand Slam title.