Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic on Friday, January 24 was forced to retire hurt in the semi-final match against Alexander Zverev at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The Serbian, who entered the first Grand Slam of the year, eyeing his record 25th Grand Slam title, retired hurt after losing the first set 7-6 (7/5) against the second seeded.

While it wasn’t an unaccepted ending for the tennis great as he was seen struggling with an injury since his quarterfinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz, who he defeated 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 at the Melbourne Park. Followed by his win over the Spaniard, Djokovic missed the training on Wednesday, followed by opting out of the practice session on Thursday, January 23 as well.

There is a chance….: Novak Djokovic hints at retirement from Australian Open

However, seeing the 37-year-old struggle with injury, he was later questioned on his future plans. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Djokovic not only revealed that a muscle tear in his hamstring forced him to walk out of the game, he also hinted that it could possibly be an end to his Australian Open campaign. "I don’t know. There is a chance (Of this being his last Australian Open game). Who knows? I will have to see how the season goes,” he said.

“I want to keep going. But whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for next year, I’m not sure...I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated. I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come. But there’s always a chance, yeah,” Djokovic added. “I'll keep going.... And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I'll be around,” he concluded.

Watch Novak Djokovic hint at his possible retirement:

With an early withdrawal, Djokovic ended his hopes of record 25th Grand Slam title and 11th at the Australian Open. On the other hand, second seeded Zverev progressed into the final, where he will see the winner of defending champion Jannik Sinner versus Ben Shelton clash on Sunday, January 26. While Zverev has moved to his third Grand Slam final, he will eye to end his major title drought at the Melbourne Park on Sunday.