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.

Djokvoic was jeered and booed off the court by a large section of the crowd inside Rod Laver Arena, as he was forced to quit against Zverev after losing the first set.

It was unclear whether the fans were disappointed by Djokovic’s decision to end the match early or whether they were merely venting their annoyance towards a player who has always divided opinion.

Yet it was an unpleasant way for Djokovic to walk off court, as he admitted he didn’t know if he would return to play again in Melbourne as he was asked if he had played his final match on Rod Laver Arena.

“I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes,” he replied when asked if he will play in the 2026 Australian Open.

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“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.

“I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come.”

If Djokovic fails to find his best form in 2025, he may decide the time has come to call time on his record-breaking career and he will not want his legacy in Australia to be the image of him leaving the court with the crowd booing him.

Now it has emerged a more fitting tribute to Djokovic may be in the pipeline as a statue of the Serbian great may be erected at Melbourne Park.

Tournament Director Craig Tiley has confirmed there are plans for statues of all the great Australian Open champions, with Djokovic certain to be included in that list.

“I’d like to have a whole precinct full of statues of the great tennis players,” Tiley told News Corp.

“Every year we put up a new statue of an Australian and this precinct is about tennis.

“It was built with tennis in mind and we have so many people that come here from right around the world.

“They come to the precinct when the Australian Open is not on because they want to see the place that it happens. And I think there is more we can offer those fans from the tennis precinct.”

When asked about the prospect of Djokovic getting a statue he replied: “I mean, he’s won this event 10 times and I still think he can win it again,’ he said.

“I think any time we can recognise tennis or the champions of the game I’m going to go for it.

“Whether it’s Novak, Roger Federer, Serena Williams – the list goes on.”

Tiley’s comments sparked some negativity from social media users, with Djokovic a somewhat divisive figure in Australia after he was deported from the country due to his stance on Covid vaccines ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.

The legacy of that story may have contributed to the negative reaction Djokovic received as he left the court following the match against Zverev, but there is no doubt he deserves any accolades that come his way after winning the tournament four more times than any men in tennis history.

READ MORE: Australian Open Winners & Losers: Sinner’s dominance contrasts Djokovic, Alcaraz, Zverev issues