Novak Djokovic says he feels extra linked 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 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 Enviornment.
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 filled 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 stated. “That’s why I went to him [to celebrate], because I just felt very grateful that he’s there.
“I really feel increasingly linked with Andy day-after-day. We face challenges… individuals 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 event as he could be. So it was type of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the truth that he is on the market – and he would 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 successful 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 therapy through 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 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 in opposition to world No 2 Alexander Zverev – the Serb stated he might be prepared mentally, offered his physique holds up its finish of the cut price.
“The extra day with no match comes at a good time,” Djokovic stated. “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 through the first set and for early elements 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.
“Virtually three and a half, 4 hours of unimaginable battle, of excessive depth, in fact takes its toll. On the similar time I feel it has extra toll on the bodily facet 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 concern to face Zverev or to inspire myself.”
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Alexander Zverev was indignant 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 did not win one of many 4 Slams in 2024, for less than the second time since 2011 (2017) – spoke of his pleasure at persevering with to compete, and beat, a number 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 in opposition to the Serb.
“It’s just a great win. I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic stated. “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 vitality and depth on the court docket. He all the time calls for one of the best of his opponent with a purpose 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 closing of a Slam, to be sincere I want it was (smiling).”
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