Novak Djokovic feels more connected to new coach Andy Murray with each passing day since the record 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the last four at the Australian Open. he said.
Djokovic, 37, defeated world No. 3 Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final, rallying from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 and join Murray on Rod Laver Arena. celebrated in a special way.
Djokovic was full of praise for his new coach after reaching the semi-finals in Melbourne, where the former British number one and his Grand Slam rival teamed up for the first time in a major tournament.
“This was a big win for the relationship, for all of us, including Andy and I,” Djokovic said. “So I went to him [to celebrate]Because I felt so 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 make the most of every day and… We are trying to grow together.
“He gave as much effort as he could to my career and this tournament. So it’s an expression of gratitude and respect for him and the fact that he’s there and he doesn’t have to be there. It was something I did.
“He’s giving me and the whole team his full support and trying to make it work.”
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Murray joked that he wanted to thwart Djokovic’s chances of winning the Australian Open, having lost several times to the Serb in Melbourne.
Djokovic admits foot injury is ‘concerning’
A potential concern for Djokovic going forward is a left leg injury that required treatment during the first set against Alcaraz, but in an on-court interview, Djokovic said that if he had lost the second set, “I don’t know if that would happen.” “I don’t know,” he admits. I would have kept playing.”
After taking painkillers at the end of the first set, Djokovic only improved physically as the match progressed, and his touch weakened when serving in the fourth set.
Djokovic beats Alcaraz to reach his 12th Australian Open semi-final
The Serbian player benefited from an extra day of rest before his 50th career Grand Slam semi-final against world No. 2 Alexander Zverev, with his body giving him the best of the deal. As long as he can hold out, he said he’s mentally ready.
“The extra days without matches came at a good time,” Djokovic said. “Like I said on court, we’ll have to assess the situation when we wake up tomorrow. I’ll do the best I can with my recovery team.”
Djokovic struggled with injuries during the first set and early in the second before fighting back to defeat Alcaraz.
“To be honest, I’m worried physically. But I think if I manage to get physically fit enough then mentally and emotionally I’ll be as motivated as I can be.”
“The incredible, high-intensity fight, which lasts almost three-and-a-half to four hours, naturally takes its toll. At the same time, it’s more physically demanding than mentally and emotionally. I think so.
“I actually feel like I’m feeding off of wins like this, that’s how I feel right now.
“Mentally and emotionally, I don’t think there will be any problems playing against Zverev or pushing myself.”
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Alexander Zverev was angry when the referee interrupted his match with Tommy Paul because a feather fell on the court
Djokovic wins Alcaraz ‘I wish it was the final’
In the end, Djokovic missed out on winning one of the Grand Slams in 2024 for the second time since 2011 (2017), but continued to compete and the joy of defeating the rising stars of the sport. said.
Alcaraz himself is just 21 years old and has won four Grand Slam titles, two of which came in the Wimbledon final against the Serb.
“It’s a great win. I’m very proud,” Djokovic said. “I’m happy that I was able to play against one of the two or three best players in the world over the last three or four years.
“Carlos brings so much energy and intensity to the court. He always demands the best from his opponents to have a chance to win. I knew that going into the game.”
“Every set was super close. The crowd was crazy, there was so much energy on the court. It was amazing.
“It felt like the finals of a slam tournament. To be honest, I wish it had been that way (smiles).”
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