Novak Djokovic says he feels more connected to new coach Andy Murray with each passing day after the record 24-time Grand Slam champion booked a place in the Australian Open semi-finals.
Djokovic (37 years old) defeated Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, in an exciting confrontation in the quarter-finals and came back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, which he celebrated vigorously with Murray at Rod Laver Arena.
The former British No. 1 and his old Grand Slam rival are teaming up for the first time in a major together, and Djokovic praised his new coach after his place in the semi-finals was confirmed in Melbourne.
“This was a big win for all of us, including me and Andy, for the relationship,” Djokovic said. “That’s why I went for it [to celebrate]Because I felt so grateful to have him there.
“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges… People don’t see it clearly; we try to make the most of every day and grow together.
“He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be. So this was a gesture of appreciation and respect for him, and the fact that he’s there – and he doesn’t need to be.”
“He gives all his support to me and the whole team and tries to make it work.”
Djokovic admits he is ‘worried’ about his leg injury
One of Djokovic’s potential concerns in attack is an injury to his left leg that required treatment during the opening set against Alcaraz, an injury that made him admit in his on-court interview that if he had lost the second set, “I don’t know if he would have lost the second set or not.” I was going to keep playing.”
After taking some painkillers towards the end of the first set, Djokovic improved physically as the match went on, before the touch of his serve faded in the fourth set.
Taking advantage of an extra day of rest ahead of his 50th Grand Slam semi-final – against world number two Alexander Zverev – the Serbian said he would be mentally ready, provided his body lives up to its end of the bargain.
“The extra day without a match comes at the right time,” Djokovic said. “As I said on the field, I have to evaluate the situation tomorrow when I wake up. I will try to do everything I can with my recovery team.
“I’m anxious, to be honest, physically. But if I can somehow manage to be well enough physically, I think I’m as mentally and emotionally motivated as I can be.”
“Almost three and a half or four hours of amazing, high-intensity battle, of course, takes its toll. At the same time, I think it has a greater impact on the physical side than on the mental and emotional side.
“Actually, it’s like you feed off that kind of win. That’s how I feel right now.
He added: “I don’t think I will have any mental or emotional problem to face Zverev or to motivate myself.”
Djokovic on Alcaraz’s victory: I hope it will be the final
Finally, Djokovic – who failed to win a Grand Slam in 2024, for only the second time since 2011 (2017) – spoke of his happiness to continue competing and beating some of the game’s rising stars.
Alcaraz is a four-time Grand Slam champion himself and is just 21 years old, with two of those wins coming in the Wimbledon finals against the Serbian.
“It’s a great win. I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic said. “I’m 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 or four years.
“Carlos brings a lot of energy and intensity on the field. He always demands the best from his opponent in order to have a chance to beat him. I knew that before the match.
“Every set was so close. The crowd was into it, and there was so much energy on the court. It was amazing.”
“I felt like it was a Grand Slam final, and honestly I wish it had been (smiling).”
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