Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th grand slam title has been cut short at the Australian Open after he stunningly retired from his semifinal match due to a left leg injury.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the Australian Open final at Melbourne Park Sunday. The No. 1 seed prevailed over the No. 2 seed in a match ultimately decided by Zverev’s discomfort when coming forward, Sinner’s underrated first serve, and a kiss of death from the net.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner will face Alexander Zverev in the first Australian Open men’s final between the players ranked No. 1 and No. 2 since Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in 2019. The top-seeded Sinner is a 23-year-old from Italy who can become the youngest man to win two consecutive trophies at Melbourne Park since Jim Courier in 1992 and 1993.

Novak Djokovic simply cannot shake the conspiracy allegations that surrounded him at the Australian Open. The 10-time Australian Open champion went to extreme lengths this week to share photographs of a hamstring strain on his Instagram account after his unexpected withdrawal from the tournament raised concerns.

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.