These fitness concerns may mean that Sinner could want to avoid a five set final, having lost his last only match that went the distance with Zverev.

Zverev’s semi-final against Djokovic stopped after one set, following the Serbian’s retirement due to a leg injury.

This has created a big topic of conversation, after Djokovic was booed off the Rod Laver Arena.

Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson criticize Australian Open crowd for booing Novak Djokovic

The crowds in Melbourne have been a big topic of conversation over the last fortnight, highlighted by Danielle Collins’ interaction at the Australian Open.

Many people including John McEnroe criticized the Australian Open crowd for their treatment of Djokovic, with Sam Querrey (former world number 11) and Steve Johnson (former world number 21) also doing so on the Nothing Major Podcast.

“Nobody knows his body like he [Djokovic] does. You know deep down you are not going to beat these people,” said Querrey. “I have been there too. I have had little hiccups and tears.

“You lose matches and you just know ‘I am not going to win this match’. Why risk it and hurt yourself even more? It was pretty lame of the Aussie Open crowd to boo him on the way out. Even Zverev after the match addressed it to the crowd and was like guys what are you doing?”

As Querrey mentioned, Zverev told the crowd not to boo Djokovic in his post-match interview on Rod Laver Arena.

Johnson responded to Querrey with some strong words about what the crowd did to Djokovic.

“Let me tell you immediately first and foremost I have pumped the Australian Open crowd as a fun place to be and an amazing environment. This was horrible. Terrible,” replied Johnson. “An absolute shocking miss from the Aussie fans.

“You do not boo somebody, specially Novak who has done nothing but produce insane moments down there. There has been some controversy with him surrounding the Covid issues but put all that aside.

“To boo him for not finishing a match because you paid money for tickets or whatever the reason might be I think that is an absolute stone cold miss on behalf of the fans.”

Greg Rusedski claims the Australian Open crowd showed a lack of respect

Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski also wanted to voice his opinions on the topic, claiming that the people booing Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena were disrespectful.

“I just do not understand the lack of respect from the crowd who booed Novak when he retired from his semi,” Rusedski said on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Novak has played through so many injuries in his career & just could not do it this time. He is 37 years old & did not want to risk further injury. Smart decision.”

Rusedski’s compatriot Murray has coached Djokovic at the Australian Open, with the pair currently unclear on their future together.

Djokovic was scheduled to play in the Davis Cup, but has implied that he will skip it and sees his next tournament as the Qatar Open.

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