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- (VIDEO) Gesture of a Legend: Alexander Zverev Scolds Crowd for Booing Novak Djokovic
(VIDEO) Gesture of a Legend: Alexander Zverev Scolds Crowd for Booing Novak Djokovic
The German tennis player displayed a gesture beyond sportsmanship when he called on the Australian Open crowd to stop booing Djokovic. A gesture worth applauding.
In a heartfelt display of sportsmanship, Alexander Zverev, who secured his place in the final of the Australian Open, defended Novak Djokovic following the Serbian's injury withdrawal. Djokovic, after losing the first set 7-6(5) to Zverev, was forced to retire from the match due to an injury. The crowd's boos directed at Djokovic did not sit well with the German, who immediately addressed the issue after the match.
"Please, don't boo a player when he withdraws due to injury," Zverev said on court. "Especially a player who has won this tournament with an abdominal tear and a hamstring injury." His words echoed a sense of respect for Djokovic, who has given so much to the sport over the past two decades.
Zverev continued, emphasizing the impact Djokovic has had on tennis. "Everyone paid to see a great battle, but they need to understand what Novak has done for the sport over the last 20 years. He’s given his life to it, winning this tournament with an abdominal tear and a hamstring injury. If he couldn't continue, it's because of a leg problem. So, there should be a lot of love for Novak as well."
The German, who is set to play in his third Grand Slam final, expressed immense respect for his long-time rival. "There’s no player I respect more than Novak," Zverev said.
"He’s been one of my closest friends. I can always call him for advice, we’ve talked for hours. I was expecting a tough match, and the first set was of high quality, but it ended this way. I only have respect for him."
Zverev, despite having faced physical issues throughout the year, will enter the final in "the best condition" and will face Jannik Sinner, who defeated Ben Shelton in three sets.