Djokovic: Semi-final spot a huge win for Murray partnership

Novak Djokovic says he feels more connected with new coach Andy Murray with every passing day after the record 24-time Grand Slam champion booked a place in the last four of the Australian Open.

Djokovic, 37, overcame world No 3 Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final clash, battling back from a set down to clinch a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory which he celebrated wildly with Murray on 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 together, and Djokovic was full of praise for his new coach after confirming a semi-final spot in Melbourne.

“This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, for the relationship,” Djokovic said. “That’s why I went to him [to celebrate], because I just felt very grateful that he’s there.

“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges… people don’t see that obviously; we try to make the most out of every day and grow together.

“He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be. So it was kind of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the fact that he’s out there – and he doesn’t need to be.

“He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.”

Djokovic admits he is ‘concerned’ over leg injury

A potential concern for Djokovic going forward is a left-leg injury that required treatment during the opening set against Alcaraz, one which saw him admit in his on-court interview that, had he lost the second set, “I don’t know if I would have continued playing”.

After taking on some painkillers towards the end of the first set, Djokovic only improved physically as the match wore on before fading a touch as he served things out in the fourth.

Benefitting from an extra day’s rest before what is a landmark 50th career Grand Slam semi-final for him – up against world No 2 Alexander Zverev – the Serb said he will be ready mentally, provided his body holds up its end of the bargain.

“The extra day with no match comes at a good time,” Djokovic said. “As I said on the court, I have to assess the situation tomorrow when I wake up. I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team.

“I’m concerned, to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.

“Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible battle, of high intensity, of course takes its toll. At the same time I think it has more toll on the physical side rather than mental and emotional.

“Actually it feels like you’re feeding off this kind of win. That’s how I feel now.

“I don’t think I’m going to have, mentally or emotionally, any issue to face Zverev or to motivate myself.”

Djokovic on Alcaraz win: I wish it was 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 game’s rising stars.

Alcaraz is himself a four-time Grand Slam champion aged just 21, with two of those victories coming in Wimbledon finals against the Serb.

“It’s just a great win. I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic said. “I’m just pleased 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 on the court. He always demands the best of his opponent in order to have a chance to win against him. I knew that coming into the match.

“Every set was super close. The crowd was into it, so much energy on the court. It was amazing.

“It felt like it was final of a Slam, to be honest I wish it was (smiling).”

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Source : Sky Sports