Andy Murray: Novak Djokovic hails Australian Open semi-final spot as ‘big win’ for new coaching partnership | Tennis news
Novak Djokovic says he feels more connected with new coach Andy Murray every day after the record 24-time Grand Slam champion secured a place in the last four Australian Open tournaments.
Djokovic, 37, beat world No. 3 Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final clash, fighting back from a set down to claim a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory that he celebrated wildly with Murray at Rod Laver Arena.
The former British No. 1 and his old Grand Slam rival are teaming up for the first time at a major tournament, and Djokovic was full of praise for his new coach after confirming a place in the semi-finals in Melbourne.
“This was a big win for all of us, including Andy and me, for our relationship,” Djokovic said. “That’s why I went to him [to celebrate]because I just felt very grateful that he was there.
“I feel more and more connected to Andy every day. We face challenges… people obviously don’t see that; we try to make the most of each day and grow together.
“He was as committed to my career and to this tournament as he could be. It was a kind of gratitude, respect for him and the fact that he’s there – and he doesn’t have to be.
“He gives all his support to me, to the whole team and tries to make it work.”
Djokovic admits that he is ‘concerned’ about his leg injury
A potential concern for Djokovic going forward is a left leg injury that required treatment during the opening set against Alcaraz, which saw him admit in his on-court interview that if he had lost the second set, “I don’t know if I would have continued to play.”
After taking some painkillers towards the end of the first set, Djokovic only improved physically as the match wore on before fading his touch while serving in the fourth.
Using an extra day’s rest ahead of what is a significant 50th Grand Slam semi-final of his career – against world number two Alexander Zverev – the Serb said he would be mentally ready, provided his body holds up to part of the bargain.
“The extra day without a match comes at a good time,” Djokovic said. “Like I said on the pitch, I have to assess the situation tomorrow when I wake up. I’ll try to do as much as I can with my recovery team.
“I’m worried, to be honest, physically. But if somehow I manage to be good enough physically, I think mentally, emotionally, I’m as motivated as I can be.
“Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible fighting, high intensity, of course it takes its toll. At the same time, I think it takes more of a toll on the physical side than on the mental and emotional side.
“It actually seems like you feed off of a win like this. That’s how I feel right now.
“I don’t think I will have, mentally or emotionally, a problem to face Zverev or to motivate myself.”
Djokovic on Alcaraz’s victory: I would like it to be the final
Finally, Djokovic – who failed to win one of the four Slams in 2024 for only the second time since 2011 (2017) – spoke of his joy at continuing to compete and beat some of the rising stars.
Alcaraz himself is a four-time Grand Slam champion at only 21 years old, and he achieved two of those victories in the Wimbledon final against a Serb.
“It’s just a great victory. I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic said. “I’m just happy with the way I was able to play, against one of the two or three best players in the world in the last three, four years.
“Carlos brings so much energy and intensity to the court. He always demands the best from his opponent to have a chance to win against him. I knew that going into the match.
“Every set was super tight. The crowd was into it, so much energy on the court. It was amazing.
“I felt like it was a Slam final, to be honest, I wish it was (laughs).”
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