India, Jan. 24 -- Novak Djokovic was looking as good as ever in the first set of his 2025 Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev, even looking well ahead of the German for large parts of it, and so it was a shock to everyone when he retired as soon as he lost the tie-breaker. While he was applauded as he walked, there was a sizeable minority of fans at the Rod Laver Arena that booed him and Djokovic could be seen stopping, turning and put his this thumbs up towards them before leaving the court. It prompted Zverev to ask the crowd to not boo a player who has retired and American legend John McEnroe later berated the fans as well.

"They can't possibly be booing him. Please!" he stated while doing commentary for the host broad...