'There is a Chance' - Novak Djokovic Hints Alexander Zverev Meeting May be His Last Australian Open Match

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Novak Djokovic has hinted of possibly playing his last match in the Australian Open after injury forced the 24-time grand slam champion out of the semi-final meeting against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne on Friday (January 24).

Djokovic, who lost the opening set 7-6(5) in a tiebreaker, immediately walked around the net to concede the match to Zverev due to a torn muscle in his left leg, as confirmed by the Serbian in the post-match press conference.

"It was getting worse and worse," Djokovic said at the press conference, referring to the pain in his leg, which he hurt during his quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week. "I knew, even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me."

Djokovic was two wins away from a record extending 11th title at the Australian Open and a record 25th Grand Slam title overall, but was forced to wait for the milestones. The Serb also withdrew from last year's French Open before the quarterfinals after tearing the meniscus in his right knee.

The 37-year-old is the only remaining member of the Big Three, after Rafael Nadal retired last year and Roger Federer bid aideu a year ealier. When asked if this was last appearance as an active player at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Djokovic kept his options open, but possibly hinted at his retirement.

"I don't know. There is a chance. Who knows? I will have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going. But whether I'm going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I'm not sure," the 10-time champ in Melbourne said.

"I normally like to come to Australia to play. I've had the biggest success in my career here. So I'm fit, healthy, motivated. I don't see a reason why I wouldn't come. But there's always a chance, yeah."