Novak Djokovic has retired from his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev after losing the first set in a tiebreak. Djokovic missed a regulation putaway volley on top of the net down 5-6,

MELBOURNE, Australia — Of all the praise bestowed on Jannik Sinner after he won his second consecutive Australian Open championship, and third Grand Slam title overall, nothing felt as significant as the comparison made by runner-up Alexander Zverev .

Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th grand slam title has been cut short at the Australian Open after he stunningly retired from his semifinal match due to a left leg injury.

Novak Djokovic retired injured after losing the opening set of his clash with Alexander Zverev on Friday, sending the German to a first Australian Open final where he will take on defending champion Jannik Sinner for a maiden Grand Slam title.

Zverev will face defending Australian Open champion and No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner, who beat American Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2, in Sunday's final. Zverev is pursuing his first major tournament title.

Novak Djokovic rounded on his critics on Saturday the day after retiring injured in his Australian Open semi-final after the first set against Alexander Zverev to boos from the crowd at the tournament he has won 10 times.

Djokovic, who retired due to injury after the first set, was booed by the crowd as he walked off Rod Laver Arena.

Alexander Zverev said that Jannik Sinner is as good as Novak Djokovic at his peak and on "a different universe" after the German was well beaten in Sunday's Australian Open final.

Novak Djokovic shared a heartfelt message to Alexander Zverev after the second seed lost in straight sets against Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final on Sunday at the Rod Laver Arena. Sinner won 6-3,