Novak Djokovic says he feels more connected with new coach Andy Murray with each passing day after the record 24-time Grand Slam champion cruised into the last four of the Australian Open.
Djokovic, 37, defeated world No. 3 Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final clash, fighting back from a set down to win 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4, which he wildly celebrated with Murray at Rod Laver Arena.
The former British No. 1 and his old Grand Slam rival are teaming up at a major for the first time, and Djokovic heaped praise on his new coach after sealing a place in the semi-finals in Melbourne.
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Best Australian Open quarter-final action as Djokovic beats Alcaraz
“It was a big win for all of us, including the relationship between Andy and I,” Djokovic said.
“Every day I bond more and more with Andy. We face challenges… people don’t see that obviously, we try to make the most of it and grow together every day.
“He’s been as committed to my career and to this tournament as he can be. So it was a gesture of appreciation, respect for him and the fact that he’s there and he doesn’t need to be.
“He gives all his support to me, to the whole team and tries to do it.”
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Murray has joked he hopes to sabotage Djokovic’s chances of winning the Australian Open after beating the Serb on multiple occasions in Melbourne.
Djokovic admits he is “concerned” by the leg injury
A potential concern for Djokovic is a left leg injury that required treatment in the opening set against Alcaraz, with him admitting that if he had lost the second set; “I don’t know if. I’d keep playing.”
After taking some painkillers at the end of the first set, Djokovic only improved physically as the match wore on before easing into touch in the fourth.
Djokovic beats Alcaraz to reach 12th Australian Open semi-final
Taking advantage of an extra day’s rest ahead of his 50th career Grand Slam semi-final against world No.2 Alexander Zverev, the Serb said he would be ready mentally provided his body can live up to its end of the bargain.
“An extra day, without a match, is a good time,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic struggled with injury in the first set and early in the second before he fought back to beat Alcaraz.
“To be honest, I’m concerned physically. But if I somehow manage to be physically fit, I think mentally and emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.
“Almost three-and-a-half, four hours of incredible, high-intensity combat certainly takes its toll. At the same time, I think it’s more of a physical impact than a mental and emotional one.
“It actually feels like you’re feeding off this kind of victory. That’s how I feel right now.
“I don’t think I will have any problems mentally or emotionally to face Zverev or to motivate myself.”
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Alexander Zverev was angry when the referee interrupted the match with Tommy Paul because the feather fell on the court.
Djokovic about Alcaraz’s victory. I wish that was the finale
Finally, Djokovic, who failed to win one of the 4 Slams in 2024 for only the second time since 2011 (2017), spoke of his delight at continuing to compete and beat some of the game’s rising stars.
Alcaraz is a four-time Grand Slam champion himself, just 21 years old, with two wins coming in Wimbledon finals against the Serb.
“It’s just a great win. I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic said.
“Carlos brings so much energy and intensity to the court. He always demands the best from his opponent to have a chance to win against him. I knew that when I played.
“Every set was so close. The crowd was into it, so much energy on the court. It was amazing.
“It felt like a Slam final, to be honest, I wish it was (smiles).
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