“He’s our greatest champion Melbourne and he’s injured! Think about what you just did. Disgraceful!!” Serena Williams ex-coach and former WTA pro Rennae Stubbs wrote on X last week. After Novak Djokovic decided to retire from the Australian Open semifinal due to a muscle tear, a section of the crowd at Rod Laver Arena booed him. The former World No.1’s exit in such a manner came as a shocker to everyone, including Stubbs. But she was furious over the reception the 10-time AO king got while walking off the court. It appears the former Australian legend is still annoyed with the “disgraceful” incident featuring the 24-time Major winner. So what did she say this time?

In an episode of the Rennae Stubbs Podcast, the 4-time Grand Slam doubles winner was discussing instances from the Major after it concluded on Sunday. Among other things, she didn’t miss out on talking about Djokovic’s retirement and the crowd’s reaction on the same. “OK, so just a little thing on the booing that when he left the court was so unacceptable. I put it out on Twitter.” She referred to her post that she put up on X following the Serbian’s exit. In that, she criticized the people in the crowd who mocked him after he left the court in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev, owing to a persistent injury.

Adding to her reaction in the podcast, she said, “I get it. You paid a lot of money to go to see that match. But this is called sports.” She just tried to convey that such moments can occur in any sport, saying, “S**t happens like that.” But if a player like Djokovic gets such a reception from fans, it’s pathetic. According to her, such people should boo themselves. “That’s right. Boo yourself and make sure you put, clip that into a headline.”

During the quarterfinals of the Australian Open against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic sustained an injury in his leg. Due to that, he had to take a medical time-out as he was struggling to move properly. After the treatment, however, he was seen performing much better. Taking the third and fourths consecutively, he eventually won the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Upon this, many fans assumed that he faked his injury and that was perhaps the reason why they booed him in the semifinal.

But clearly, it wasn’t the case of him faking an injury as there was a muscle tear. Defending Djokovic, Stubbs said, “the fact that you actually think that Novak Djokovic is going to walk off the court because he might be injured. Give me a f*****g break.”

She reminded folks that the tennis GOAT managed to win the AO title “several times with an injury, like, come on people, like you’re better than that.” Back in 2021, Djoker succeeded in clinching the trophy while having an abdominal tear. Then two years later, he did it again despite suffering from a hamstring tear. With a heartbreaking exit from Melbourne, the former World No.1 couldn’t complete his dream of reaching his 25th Grand Slam. However, the 37-year-old is still hopeful to make a return. It seems like he’s not going to back down!

Novak Djokovic is hopeful of another Australian Open campaign

For the unversed, Novak Djokovic was chasing a record 11th Australian Open title this month. Until he backed out in the semifinal stage, it almost looked like he was going to accomplish the feat. In that case, he would have become the player with the most number of Grand Slam singles titles in the sport’s history. Currently, he’s leveled at 24 with WTA legend Margaret Court. Also, he needs one more title win to complete 100 ATP tournament victories. As of now, he’s sitting at 99.

While his injury affected his run in 2025’s edition, the Serbian hasn’t given up on another chance. In an official press conference after his exit, he said, “I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I will have to see how the season goes.” Adding to his hope of returning, he mentioned, “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.”

When asked if he will actually play the 2026 season, he simply answered, “So, I’m fit, healthy, motivated. I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come. But there’s always a chance, yeah.” Clearly, he’s not going anywhere – at least not so soon and he’s made it very evident.

Now, it will be intriguing to see how fast he can come back to the court this season. His avid fans will curiously look forward to his appearance in the upcoming Major at the Roland Garros – the French Open. After all, he has to reach the magical figure of 25. Do you think ‘Djoker’ can do it this year if he stays injury-free? Let us know in the comments below.