Djokovic explains why he decided to retire: "The pain that I started to feel was too much for me"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 24 Jan 2025 | 06.52

Novak Djokovic speaks after withdrawing from the 2025 Australian Open. Photo: gettyimages

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The anticipation at the press conference given by Novak Djokovic minutes after his withdrawal from the Australian Open 2025 was high, and the Serbian's words were clear about the reasons that led him to make this decision. He explained in detail what his injury is and what sensations he had on the court, even addressing the question of whether this could have been his last appearance at the Australian Grand Slam.

The media impact of Novak Djokovic's abrupt withdrawal after losing the first set of the Australian Open 2025 has been enormous, especially considering how accustomed we are to seeing the Serbian deal with all kinds of discomfort and still prevail. He didn't show obvious signs of trouble during the set played against Alexander Zverev, but his words in the press conference clarified everything perfectly, leaving a sense of concern among tennis lovers worldwide.

- Reasons for his retirement after the first set

"I didn't hit a ball from when I beat Alcaraz until an hour before the match against Sascha. I did everything I could to control the muscle tear, with medications, supports, and physiotherapy. Towards the end of the first set, I started to feel much stronger pain; it was too much. Maybe if I had won the first set, I would have tried to continue, but the problem was deteriorating rapidly, so I saw it impossible to stay on the court for much longer. I thought maybe with two days off it would be enough, but it wasn't," he stated.

- Detailed assessment of his injury and potential recovery timelines

"In other years, I found myself in a similar situation and managed to overcome it; this time it was not the case. I can't throw away all the amazing memories I have in this tournament. Right now, I'm frustrated and disappointed, but this tournament will always remain in my heart for being where I played my best tennis. I'm grateful for everything tennis has allowed me to experience and proud of my performance. I need to examine the injury thoroughly when I return to Europe and see if I can be recovered for the Doha tournament. In recent years, I have been injured quite often. I don't know the reason, but I will keep trying as long as I feel I can endure all this," he concluded.

- Game feelings and potential future with Murray

"I believe I displayed great tennis throughout the tournament; I liked my chances if I had been healthy. I know it's never easy to beat Zverev, but it wasn't easy for him today even with me injured. I hit the ball very well, and there are many positive aspects to take from my game. Reaching the semifinals is a very good result considering the circumstances, but I'm not satisfied because I came here to win. I wish all the best to Sascha; I will be rooting for him to achieve his first Grand Slam title; he deserves it," stated Novak Djokovic, confirming his intention to continue with Andy Murray. "My assessment is very positive; we will sit down to talk in a few days to see if we continue working together," he said before leaving the Australian Open 2025.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic explica por qué decidió retirarse: "El dolor que empecé a sentir fue demasiado para mí"