Djokovic is out of the Australian Open after retiring from his semi-final, with Zverev through to face Sinner on Sunday

In a stunning development at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic withdrew because of injury after losing the first set of his semifinal match versus Alexander Zverev. Zverev, the No. 2 seed, won a grueling first set in a 7–6 tiebreaker that lasted one hour and 26 minutes.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the Australian Open final at Melbourne Park Sunday. The No. 1 seed prevailed over the No. 2 seed in a match ultimately decided by Zverev’s discomfort when coming forward, Sinner’s underrated first serve, and a kiss of death from the net.

Novak Djokovic simply cannot shake the conspiracy allegations that surrounded him at the Australian Open. The 10-time Australian Open champion went to extreme lengths this week to share photographs of a hamstring strain on his Instagram account after his unexpected withdrawal from the tournament raised concerns.

Novak Djokovic’s remarkable story at the Australian Open may have had the most unfortunate conclusion as he limped out of the tournament in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev last week – but his legacy looks set to be secured for eternity.