Novak Djokovic walked off the court at the Australian Open not as the victor as we’ve commonly come to expect over the decades but as a wounded warrior, in as much agony mentally as he was physically. After being forced to retire from his semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev, in what could very well be his last appearance in Australia, what was his reward for all he has given to the game and the Australian fans? Boos.
It was an embarrassing moment for the Australian Open public, one that showed a complete lack of empathy and respect for the greatest player of all time. Here is a man with 24 Grand Slam titles, 10 of them in Melbourne, a player who has pushed his body beyond its limits time and again in pursuit of greatness. If Djokovic was walking away, then the pain was unbearable. He deserved love and appreciation, instead he was jeered.
Zverev, to his credit, immediately called out the crowd, reminding them of all Djokovic has done for the sport. “You may not like him,” he said, “but respect him.” And that’s the heart of the issue - Djokovic has always had a complicated relationship with the Australian public.
There are those in Australia who admire Djokovic, who recognise his relentless drive, his dominance in Melbourne, and his contributions to the game. But there are also those who will never forgive him for the saga of 2022, when he was unceremoniously deported after the government revoked his visa over his vaccination status.
That episode, in my view, was politically motivated. Yes, Djokovic made mistakes, but the Australian governments – both state and federal – were equally to blame. They provided conflicting information about whether he was allowed to enter, setting the stage for an ugly debacle that had nothing to do with tennis. That moment turned many Australians against him, and for some, it’s clear that bitterness remains.
Djokovic’s standing with the Melbourne crowd has always been in flux. There have been years when they have embraced him, but just as often, the support has felt lukewarm. Unlike Federer or Nadal, he has never been universally adored, and the 2022 controversy only deepened that divide. And to be fair, he has become accustomed to playing the villain, often welcoming negative energy from the crowd.
But whatever your feelings may be about Djokovic’s past, that should have had nothing to do with the events of that night. This was not about politics or personal grudges. This was about a sporting hero in pain, forced to concede, only to be met with derision.
Another factor, no doubt, was the disappointment of the crowd. Fans had paid top dollar expecting a thrilling semi-final, only to see it cut short. But no ticket comes with a guarantee. Sport is unpredictable, and injuries happen. In 2021, Serena Williams was forced to retire just a few games into her Wimbledon opener due to injury. She left the court in tears, yet the crowd responded with sympathy, not anger. Why, then, was Djokovic treated differently?
The bottom line is simple: anyone who has followed Djokovic’s career knows what every Grand Slam means to him at this stage. He is 36 years old. He is chasing history. Every time he steps onto the court, it could be his last real shot at adding to his incredible legacy. There is no one in the stadium – no commentator, no journalist, no fan – who knows better than Djokovic himself what his body can withstand.
Over the years, he has played through injuries that would sideline most athletes. At the 2021 Australian Open, he famously won the title despite tearing an abdominal muscle in the third round. In 2023, he conquered Melbourne again while nursing a hamstring tear. His ability to push through pain is legendary, which is why when he says he cannot continue, he deserves to be believed.
No player should ever be booed off a court for retiring due to injury. It was a disgraceful act from the crowd that day, especially from a nation that prides itself on knowing and loving its sport. Djokovic has earned the right to be respected, even from those who may not support him. I hope we never witness such scenes again.
Coach’s Tip: Recognising when to stop
Djokovic’s retirement was a reminder that even the best athletes need to listen to their bodies. Too many players, especially at the amateur level, push through injuries they shouldn’t. The key is understanding the difference between discomfort and real damage.
If pain is sharp, worsening, or affecting your ability to move properly, stop playing. If you find yourself adjusting your strokes to compensate, you’re not just risking further injury, you’re also developing bad habits that could take months to undo. Be smart, recognise your limits, and if necessary, take the break your body needs. The greatest players don’t just know how to fight through pain; they also know when to walk away. See you on the court!
- Dan Barrie is the tennis director at Bahrain Tennis Academy and is a Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) elite professional. Connect with him via Instagram on @bahrain_tennis_academy.
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