Novak Djokovic said he was “grateful” to have Andy Murray as a coach after the Serbian’s historic quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.
Djokovic, 37, defied all odds and expecations to beat four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz with a stunning display which saw him become the first player to reach 50 Grand Slam semi-finals.
In the celebrations after the 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win, Djokovic ran straight to Murray, who made the shock move to coach his former rival shortly after retiring from playing.
“It was kind of a gesture of appreciation and respect for him for the fact that he’s out there and he doesn’t need to be,” said Djokovic, who was born a week after Murray in May 1987.
“He accepted to work with me. He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.
“This was a huge win for all of us – including Andy and myself for the relationship.
“That’s why I went to him because I felt very grateful that he’s there.”
Djokovic overcame injury to overcome third seed Alcaraz, 21, in a tense match in Melbourne with the seventh seed now chasing an extraordinary 25 major title.
“It was quite an even match, then the accident happened physically with me,” said Djokovic, who refused to divulge details on the injury. “The doctor gave me some medication, some painkillers. That kicked in after 20, 30 minutes. It did help.
“I was just trying to be self-observing what’s going on in my body and at the same time focus on every point in every game and try to hold my serve and put pressure on him.
“I started to play more freely. I went for my shots. I was really close to the line and just had to be more aggressive. I felt better and better as the match progressed.”
Gracious in defeat, Alcaraz said: “I think most of the crucial points, it went to his side.”
“When Novak is at this level, it’s really difficult to find the way.”
Standing in Djokovic’s way next is second-seed Alexander Zverev on Friday, with top-seed and 2024 champion Jannik Sinner likely awaiting the tennis great in the final.
“The extra day with no match comes at a good time,” Djokovic said. “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, with my physio today, tomorrow, the next few days. I’m concerned.
“I am, to be honest. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.”
