Happy New Year 2025

Category: Sports

Duke’s Cooper Flagg described as ‘generational’ player after performance in win over Wake Forest

Cooper Flagg scored 24 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists playing 39 of 40 minutes in the Duke Blue Devils’ 63-56 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday.

Duke, the No. 2 team in the nation, improved to 17-2 and 9-0 against ACC opponents. It was Flagg who gave the Blue Devils the jolt they needed in the second half to inch away from Wake Forest. At one point, Flagg scored three times on a run of seven straight scoring possessions.

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Duke’s Cooper Flagg blocks a shot by Wake Forest’s Juke Harris in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

On defense, Duke switched from man-to-man to zone to slow the Demon Deacons down with about eight minutes left in the game. Flagg admitted he never played zone before then. He finished with two blocks in the game.

Flagg’s legend is only growing ahead of his likely jump to the NBA. It’s a performance like the one against Wake Forest that only solidified him as a potential generational talent at the next level. It even left an indelible impression on Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes.

UCONN’S DAN HURLEY UNLOADS ON REFEREE WITH EPIC 1-LINER IN HUSKIES’ OVERTIME WIN: ‘DID I SAY THAT?’

Duke’s Cooper Flagg drives as Wake Forest’s Tre’Von Spillers defends in Winston-Salem, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

“Generational,” he said when asked to describe Flagg. “I’ll give you an example – their leading scorer last year was the first pick in the second round. This guy will be the first pick in the first round. Big difference.

“He’s a tough guy to guard. He’s got all the tools. The great thing about him… is his unselfishness. That he really wants other people to succeed.”

Flagg is averaging 19.5 points, 8 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. Duke has 12 games left before the conference tournament begins.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer speaks to Cooper Flagg, left, and Kon Knueppel during the Wake Forest game, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

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Flagg and the Blue Devils are set for a game on Monday night against N.C. State.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Matthew McConaughey touts Redskins fandom as Commanders prep for NFC title game

Actor Matthew McConaughey showed off his lifelong Washington Redskins fandom on Sunday as the team, now known as the Commanders, got set to play in the NFC Championship.

McConaughey posted a photo of a tiny letterman jacket with the Redskins logo on the left side.

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Matthew McConaughey attends the game between the Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, Sept. 12, 2016. (Brad Mills-USA Today Sports)

“Hailing since 1974,” he captioned the post on X.

While it appeared to surprise fans of the “Interstellar” star that he would be a fan of Washington, McConaughey talked about his support for the NFL team in 2014.

He told GQ magazine he became a fan because of old Western movies. He said he “rooted for the Indians” and that because he liked hamburgers, he liked the Redskins because of their linebacker Chris Hanburger.

At the time, he also expressed support for keeping the Redskins nickname. Then-team owner Daniel Snyder had vowed not to change the name but did in 2020 amid a summer of racial tension in the U.S.

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Matthew McConaughey smiles before the Washington Redskins play the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEx Field on Sept. 12, 2016. (Brad Mills-USA Today Sports)

“What interests me is how quickly it got pushed into the social consciousness,” he told the magazine at the time. “We were all fine with it since the 1930s, and all of a sudden we go, ‘No, gotta change it?’ It seems like when the first levee breaks, everybody gets on board. I know a lot of Native Americans don’t have a problem with it, but they’re not going to say, ‘No, we really want the name.’ That’s not how they’re going to use their pulpit.

“It’s like my feeling about gun control: ‘I get it. You have the right to have guns. But look, let’s forget that right. Let’s forget the pleasure you get safely on your range, because it’s in the wrong hands in other places.’”

The Redskins name is still a hot-button issue for fans of the franchise. It appeared the old logo will be honored in some way as the franchise looks to build a new stadium on the old RFK site.

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Now as the Commanders, McConaughey still supports the team and will be watching closely as Washington looks to make the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1991 season.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Aaron Rodgers’ future with Jets will depend on new head coach, GM: report

The New York Jets put together two of the most important pieces of their offseason with the hirings of Aaron Glenn as head coach and Darren Mougey as general manager.

Next on the list? Quarterback.

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the field against the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Dec. 8, 2024. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Aaron Rodgers played one of the two seasons he was with the Jets. The first season ended just as quickly as it began for the quarterback as he tore his Achilles four plays into the year. The 2024 season didn’t go as well as the team had planned, with Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas both getting canned during the year. New York finished 5-12.

Whether Rodgers returns as the Jets’ quarterback is still in question.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said in a video on Sunday that Rodgers had been adamant that whether he comes back to the Jets depends on the new leadership.

“Aaron Rodgers has been very clear that the decision about whether he comes back will be up to the new head coach and the new general manager. Aaron Glenn, to my understanding, is open to it, Rodgers as well. Expect those conversations to ramp up in the coming week,” Rapoport said.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Dolphins game in Miami Gardens on Dec. 8, 2024. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

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The 10-time Pro Bowler had 3,897 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes as he played every game for the Jets.

If Rodgers does come back, New York may have a quandary at wide receiver to deal with.

Davante Adams has teased about playing elsewhere in 2025 and Garrett Wilson suggested he wanted to be traded out of New York.

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So, while two key organizational pieces were put into place, there still is a lot to be determined on how the roster will look come Week 1.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Cowboys legend Michael Irvin criticizes team’s head coach pick: ‘We lost an opportunity here’

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The Dallas Cowboys made the stunning decision to hire offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as the team’s head coach after the team split from Mike McCarthy and rumors swirled about Deion Sanders’ interest in the job.

Schottenheimer is the son of the legendary Marty Schottenheimer and spent the last two seasons as Dallas’ offensive coordinator under McCarthy. He was also the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2006 to 2011, the St. Louis Rams from 2012 to 2014 and the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020. The Cowboys will be the first team he will serve as head coach.

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Michael Irvin is a three-time Super Bowl champion and played in five Pro Bowls in his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. (IMAGN)

Not everyone was thrilled with team owner Jerry Jones’ decision on Schottenheimer. Fans made their opinions known on social media.

Cowboys legend and Hall of Famer Michael Irvin was unhappy as well.

“Here’s my issue. We lost an opportunity here. I don’t know what happened with coach Schottenheimer and the Cowboys, but Jerry is a shrewd, shrewd businessman, and this opportunity, I’m shocked he did not see. I was pushing for Deion Sanders to be the next head coach, and I still stand 10 toes down on that push,” he said in a video posted to his YouTube channel.

He pointed to the NFC Championship being between two NFC East teams – the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders.

“Let me break it down,” he said. “We have two NFC East teams in the NFC Championship game being played tomorrow. All eyes on them. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders. Our enemies on all fronts. And they’re in a position that we haven’t held in 30 f—ing years. The longest drought by any NFC East team, 30 years…. You bring in someone who’s already inside for head coach. You lose things there that you can’t grab back that I’m worried about.”

Irvin expressed concerns about the Cowboys losing their standing in the conference.

NFL Hall of Fame member Michael Irvin during the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, Nov. 30, 2024. (Rich Barnes-Imagn Images)

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“We’re losing ground in the NFC…. It was time to bring somebody in here that could shake things up and grab this last leg of Cowboys nation,” he added. “If we’ve got 30 years right now, and life expectancy is 100 years, that means by math one third of Cowboys Nation has never felt or lived the glory of a championship story. Don’t even know about it. How the hell can they pass something down when they don’t even know about it?

“Worse yet, that generation has seen total domination from a team named the Kansas City Chiefs, who in that span is running up on winning three in a row. So not only are you losing football games over here and opportunities over here and divisions over here, you’re about to get our moniker snatched off our backs.”

It’s unclear how serious the talks between the Cowboys and Sanders were. It gained interest among fans, but Sanders was clear about his love for the Colorado football program.

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For now, Sanders stays in college and Dallas embarks on a new journey with a new coach.

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January 26, 2025
Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill chalks up ‘I’m out’ remark to ‘frustration’ with 2024 season

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill raised eyebrows at the end of the 2024 season when he suggested he wanted a trade from the team after they missed the playoffs.

Hill told reporters he was “out” after the Dolphins lost to the New York Jets, losing a playoff berth to the Denver Broncos. He explained to ESPN on Saturday he was frustrated with how the season played out and chose to express it in a questionable manner.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill on the field before the New York Jets game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Jan. 5, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

“What y’all had heard at the end of the season was frustration,” he said. “I’ve been winning my whole life, bruh. Y’all don’t understand, I bust my ass every day. I deserve to feel like that; I deserve to have some kind of opinion.

“Y’all just want me to say, ‘Oh well, get ’em next year?’ Nah, f— that. We’ve got to come back. We got to put some pressure on motherf—–. Y’all got to fix this s—, come on. Add some motherf—— dogs in this b—-. I compete, I love to compete, bruh.”

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is tackled by New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Jan. 5, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

Rumors swirled immediately after he made the comments, suggesting he requested a trade. But Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said no such request was made.

Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said on “The Pat McAfee Show” earlier this month he believed Hill was committed to the Dolphins, though he didn’t speak to him about the matter.

The star wide receiver fell short of 1,000 yards receiving as the Dolphins faced injuries at quarterback. Hill had 81 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns. He had four consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 yards before 2024.

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Miami was 8-9.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Supercross riders brawl on track, dodge other bikers after collision

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The 2025 Supercross season got off to a bumpy start for riders Braden Spangle and Wyatt Mattson as they were both suspended from the third 250 race of the season.

Spangle and Mattson got tied up during a jump in qualifying at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California. The two began to brawl on the track and were nearly struck by fellow rider Anthony Castaneda and other bikers.

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Monster Energy Supercross riders line up during a pre-race press conference at Grand Central Terminal on April 23, 2015, in New York City. (Brian Ach/Getty Images for Feld Motorsports)

Supercross officials came over to make sure the other rides saw them as they broke up their entanglement. Both Spangle and Mattson were suspended for the race.

F1 DRAMA BETWEEN MAX VERSTAPPEN AND GEORGE RUSSELL EXPLODES BEFORE SEASON FINALE

Spangle and Mattson failed to make the heats in San Diego and only Spangle made it to the heats when Supercross was in Anaheim the first time to start the season. However, Spangle didn’t make it to the main event.

On Saturday, it was Haiden Deegan who won the race in Anaheim. He finished 4.4 seconds ahead of Julien Beaumer. Deegan is second in points to start the season with Beaumer in first and leading by seven points through the first three races.

Jordon Smith, Jo Shimoda and Cole Davies round out the top five.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on April 8, 2023. (Matt Kartozian-USA Today Sports)

In the 450 main event, Jett Lawrence won the race just about 2.4 seconds ahead of Ken Roczen.

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Roczen leads the 450 standings over Chase Sexton by three points. Lawrence is five points behind Roczen in third. Eli Tomac and Cooper Webb round out the top five.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Jannik Sinner wins Australian Open for 2nd straight time

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner defeated German Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win his second consecutive Australian Open title on Sunday, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Sinner once again solidified his top ranking in tennis. He’s been No. 1 in the world since June with no signs of stopping. He didn’t face a break point, and had more winners (32-25) and fewer unforced errors (45-27).

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Jannik Sinner celebrates after defeating Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Zverev said it himself.

“You’re the best player in the world, by far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today, but you’re just too good. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

It’s the third Grand Slam title for Sinner. He’s won the Australian Open twice and won the U.S. Open last year. He went as far as the semifinals in the French Open and in Wimbledon. He’s the eighth man in the Open era to start his career 3-0 in Grand Slam finals.

“It’s amazing to achieve these things,” he said.

AMERICAN MADISON KEYS WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN, UPSETS NO. 1-RANKED ARYNA SABALENKA

Jannik Sinner carries the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Sinner came into the tournament with a massive spotlight on him. He tested positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid twice last March but blamed it on an accidental exposure involving two members of his team. He was cleared in a ruling that was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

He was initially exonerated in August, but WADA’s appeal is set for April.

Tennis stars such as Nick Kyrgios have spoken up about the doping violations of players like Sinner and Iga Swiatek, who accepted a suspension in November.

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Jannik Sinner plays a forehand to Alexander Zverev during the men’s singles final at the Australian Open, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

“Two world No.1s both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look,” the Aussie star said last month. “Tennis integrity right now, and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it, it’s awful.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Jayden Daniels’ mom reveals why Commanders rookie remains single heading into NFC Championship

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will soon take the field for the biggest game of his football career.

Daniels threw a pair of touchdowns during last week’s win over the top-seeded Detroit Lions to help Washington secure an upset victory and advance to the NFC Championship for the first time in more than three decades.

Many players from both the Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles will likely have the full support of their significant other for Sunday’s big game. But, don’t expect a girlfriend to be rooting Daniels on from the stands – according to his mother.

The young signal caller and leading offensive rookie of the year candidate’s mom, Regina Jackson, recently suggested her son is not dating anyone.

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Quarterback Jayden Daniels of the LSU Tigers and his mother pose with The Heisman Memorial Trophy on Dec. 9, 2023, in New York City. (Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)

Jackson shared some concerns she has for her son amid the Heisman Trophy winner’s stellar rookie campaign and his rising NFL stardom.

COMMANDERS VS. EAGLES: NFC EAST RIVALRY BY THE NUMBERS

“Girls, them girls.” she responded when asked about what she worried about as Daniels prepared to make the leap to the NFL in a clip posted by Amazon Prime Video from the streaming services docuseries “The Money Game.” The series explores how college athletes managed opportunities that arose due to the advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL).

“Some girl out here, she’s got a Jayden Daniels wall and her mama says, ‘Hey honey, you’re going to be the one to get ‘em.’ And I know that sounds crazy, but I guarantee there’s someone who’s trying to get their hooks into Jayden Daniels,” Jackson said about women who look to her son for financial gain.

“So thank god he got a mama like me because it ain’t happening,” she added.

Regina Jackson, mom of Jayden Daniels of the Arizona State Sun Devils, celebrates a 42-23 win over the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on Oct. 2, 2021, in Pasadena, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Former Eagles running back and FOX Sports co-host LeSean McCoy commented in apparent agreement by saying, “Sound like my mom lol the MOMs KNO.”

Daniels did not appear to be shocked by Jackson’s remarks

“I bet she did say something like that,” the former LSU star said as he smiled and laughed. This was not the first time Daniels spoke about his mother’s efforts to make sure her son has a trustworthy group around him.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass against the Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Jan. 18, 2025. (Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

“Nothing gets past my mama,” Daniels told Boardroom in December. “She reads people, she doesn’t want to put people around me that she doesn’t feel will benefit me.”

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The Eagles will welcome the Washington Commanders to Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. On the AFC side, the Kansas City Chiefs host the Bills in the second conference championship game of the day. The winners from each of those contests will meet in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Broncos star Pat Surtain II earns high praise from Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey

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Denver Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain II was named as one of the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024 season.

Surtain, who wrapped up his fourth season in the NFL, put up his best year yet. He had four interceptions, 45 tackles and 11 pass breakups. He returned the interceptions for 132 yards, which included his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was a league-leading stat.

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Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, #2, gestures after a play in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Dec. 15, 2024. (Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

The young Broncos player caught the attention of fellow Broncos great Champ Bailey even before he came into the league. Bailey, who spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of Trulieve, said he saw a little bit of himself in Surtain but thinks Surtain is better setup for the pros.

“A little bit. I think he’s far ahead of me as far as his demeanor, his professionalism, his technique,” he said. “When he came into the league, you could tell he was going to be good right away. It was just more, ‘OK, can he sustain his success? Can he stay healthy?’

“Those are the things that are really unknown to an NFL player’s career – the health side of it, which is huge. And he’s been able to do that and play consistently. I always knew if he strapped them up, he’s going to be one of the best no matter what because of how he approaches the game.”

Bailey has high hopes for Surtain’s career.

RAVENS’ MARK ANDREWS BREAKS SILENCE AFTER CRITICAL DROP IN PLAYOFFS LED TO DEATH THREATS: ‘ABSOLUTELY GUTTED’

Champ Bailey partnered with Truelieve. (Truelieve)

“He looks like a 10-year vet playing like a guy in his prime,” he said. “The sky’s the limit for him. I told people when he was drafted, he’s on a Hall of Fame path. It’s all about his good health. If he stays healthy, he will be a Hall of Famer and, hopefully, he’ll be Defensive Player of the Year this year. Definitely pulling for that.”

The Defensive Player of the Year nominees list is stacked.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt were also named as finalists.

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Surtain earned his third Pro Bowl selection and his second First-Team All-Pro selection this season.

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January 26, 2025
Novak Djokovic posts image of MRI showing hamstring injury after fans boo him for leaving match

Novak Djokovic put it all out there.

The Serbian tennis star posted a scan of his injured left hamstring on social media early Sunday after being booed at the Australian Open when he quit playing one set into his semifinal. He said at his news conference that he had a torn muscle, but faced criticism from fans on soecial media who questioned how serious the injury was.

Djokovic seemingly let the backlash get to him, as he posted the picture of the MRI taken Saturday on X to prove the doubters wrong.

“Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury ‘experts’ out there,” he wrote.

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The veteran tennis star did not offer any additional information, such as the exact diagnosis he might have received or any timeline for his recovery.

The 37-year-old Djokovic stopped his match against Alexander Zverev after dropping the opening set in a tiebreaker on Friday. After shaking hands with Zverev and the chair umpire, Djokovic gathered his equipment and started walking toward the locker room.

Some of the spectators in Rod Laver Arena jeered him. Djokovic put both of his thumbs up before leaving.

AMERICAN TENNIS STAR BEN SHELTON PUTS AUSTRALIAN OPEN TV INTERVIEWERS ON BLAST OVER TREATMENT OF PLAYERS

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand return to Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

During his on-court interview, Zverev chastised those who booed Djokovic.

“I know that everybody paid for tickets and everybody wants to see hopefully a great five-set match,” Zverev said. “But you’ve got to understand — Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given this sport, for the past 20 years, absolutely everything of his life.”

Djokovic had been hurt late in the first set of his previous match, a four-set victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Tuesday night.

Djokovic finished that match with tape on his upper left leg and had a similar wrap at the start against Zverev.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to the crowd during his third round match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

“I did everything I possibly can to basically manage the muscle tear that I had,” Djokovic said at his news conference Friday.

“Towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain,” he said. “It was too much, I guess, to handle for me at the moment. Unfortunate ending, but I tried.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

January 26, 2025