Novak Djokovic says he feels extra related with new coach Andy Murray with each passing day after the document 24-time Grand Slam champion booked a spot within the final 4 of the Australian Open.
Djokovic, 37, overcame world No 3 Alcaraz in an exhilarating quarter-final conflict, battling again from a set right down to clinch a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory which he celebrated wildly with Murray on Rod Laver Area.
The previous British No 1 and his previous Grand Slam rival are teaming up for the primary time at a serious event collectively, and Djokovic was stuffed with reward 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 mentioned. “That’s why I went to him [to celebrate], because I just felt very grateful that he’s there.
“I really feel an increasing number of related with Andy each day. We face challenges… folks do not see that clearly; we attempt to take advantage of out of each day and develop collectively.
“He is been as dedicated to my profession and this event as he might be. So it was form of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the truth that he is on the market – and he would not should be.
“He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.”
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Murray joked he’s hoping to sabotage Djokovic’s probabilities of profitable one other Australian Open after being overwhelmed by the Serb on a number of events in Melbourne
Djokovic admits he’s ‘involved’ over leg harm
A possible concern for Djokovic going ahead is a left-leg harm that required remedy throughout the opening set towards Alcaraz, one which noticed him admit in his on-court interview that, had he misplaced the second set, “I don’t know if I would have continued playing”.
After taking up some painkillers in the direction of the tip of the primary set, Djokovic solely improved bodily because the match wore on earlier than fading a contact as he served issues out within the fourth.
Djokovic battled previous Alcaraz to achieve his twelfth semi-final on the Australian Open
Benefitting from an additional day’s relaxation earlier than what’s a landmark fiftieth profession Grand Slam semi-final for him – up towards world No 2 Alexander Zverev – the Serb mentioned he shall be prepared mentally, supplied his physique holds up its finish of the discount.
“The extra day with no match comes at a good time,” Djokovic mentioned. “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.
Djokovic struggled with an harm throughout the first set and for early components of the second earlier than he battled again to beat Alcaraz
“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.
“Nearly three and a half, 4 hours of unbelievable battle, of excessive depth, after all takes its toll. On the similar time I believe it has extra toll on the bodily facet slightly than psychological and emotional.
“Actually it feels like you’re feeding off this kind of win. That’s how I feel now.
“I do not assume I’ll have, mentally or emotionally, any problem to face Zverev or to encourage myself.”
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Alexander Zverev was offended when the umpire interrupted his match with Tommy Paul as a result of a feather fell on the courtroom
Djokovic on Alcaraz win: I want it was the ultimate
Lastly, Djokovic – who did not win one of many 4 Slams in 2024, for under the second time since 2011 (2017) – spoke of his pleasure at persevering with to compete, and beat, a few of the recreation’s rising stars.
Alcaraz is himself a four-time Grand Slam champion aged simply 21, with two of these victories coming in Wimbledon finals towards the Serb.
“It’s just a great win. I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic mentioned. “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 a lot power and depth on the courtroom. He all the time calls for the very best of his opponent to be able to have an opportunity to win towards 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 prefer it was last of a Slam, to be sincere I want it was (smiling).”
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