Novak Djokovic says he feels extra related with new coach Andy Murray with each passing day after the report 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 exciting quarter-final conflict, battling again from a set all the way down to clinch a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory which he celebrated wildly with Murray on Rod Laver Enviornment.
The previous British No 1 and his outdated Grand Slam rival are teaming up for the primary time at a significant match collectively, and Djokovic was stuffed with reward for his new coach after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 increasingly related with Andy day-after-day. We face challenges… folks do not see that clearly; we attempt to take advantage of out of day-after-day and develop collectively.
“He is been as dedicated to my profession and this match as he will be. So it was sort of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the truth that he is on the market – and he does not have to 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 possibilities of profitable one other Australian Open after being crushed by the Serb on a number of events in Melbourne
Djokovic admits he’s ‘involved’ over leg damage
A possible concern for Djokovic going ahead is a left-leg damage that required therapy throughout the opening set in opposition to 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 over some painkillers in 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 succeed in 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 in opposition to world No 2 Alexander Zverev – the Serb mentioned he shall be prepared mentally, supplied his physique holds up its finish of the cut price.
“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 damage 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 aspect fairly 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 subject 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 court docket
Djokovic on Alcaraz win: I want it was the ultimate
Lastly, Djokovic – who didn’t 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 sport’s rising stars.
Alcaraz is himself a four-time Grand Slam champion aged simply 21, with two of these victories coming in Wimbledon finals in opposition to 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 court docket. He at all times calls for the most effective of his opponent so as to have an opportunity to win in opposition to 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 remaining of a Slam, to be trustworthy I want it was (smiling).”
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