Martina Navratilova issues ‘disgusting’ verdict after Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open retirement

Ewan West
Martina Navratilova has discussed Novak Djokovic's US Open exit
Martina Navratilova and Novak Djokovic

Tennis great Martina Navratilova has labelled the crowd reaction to Novak Djokovic’s injury-forced retirement at the 2025 Australian Open as “disgusting.”

Djokovic was unable to continue after losing the opening set of his semi-final clash in Melbourne with world No 2 Alexander Zverev 7-6(5).

The 10-time Australian Open champion’s departure from the court was met with incredibly unfair booing from sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd.

The 37-year-old tennis icon sustained a muscle tear in his right leg early in his thrilling quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz.

After having his right thigh strapped and taking medication during the first set — which he lost — Djokovic made a stunning recovery to win the next three sets.

Djokovic battled through injuries to win his last two Australian Open titles, having overcome a hamstring tear in 2023 and an abdominal tear in 2021.

Novak Djokovic News

Novak Djokovic makes painful withdrawal from key event after Australian Open injury blow

Former world No 1 slams ‘ugly’ Novak Djokovic abuse at Australian Open

Speaking on Tennis Channel after Djokovic’s exit, 18-time major singles champion Navratilova said: “What I’m really upset about is the crowd booing Novak.

“Seriously? Nobody wanted to finish that match more than Novak. Nobody. And then they boo. I mean seriously, it’s just disgusting.”

Rennae Stubbs, a former doubles world No 1, agreed with Navratilova as she blasted fans who disrespected Djokovic.

“I don’t care what you think of Novak Djokovic, love him or hate him. If you booed him off the court today, you’re a disgrace,” the Australian wrote on X.

“That man has literally left his heart and soul on that court. He’s our greatest champion Melbourne and he’s injured! Think about what you just did. Disgraceful!!”

Navratilova also commented on Djokovic reaching the Wimbledon final weeks after meniscus surgery last year as she assessed the Serbian’s Grand Slam results since he won his 24th major at the 2023 US Open.

“Exactly, the fact that he could come back [for Wimbledon in 2024], I did not see that coming,” the former world No 1 said. “I had the same knee injury and it takes a while to get over that one.

“But again, you know, that’s diminishing returns isn’t it? Only one final out of last five majors when he won three out of four the year before.

“We’ll see how he can bounce back from this one physically and then we’ll see if he has it still emotionally, but it just gets old.”

READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic asked if he will play the Australian Open again after retiring against Alexander Zverev