Novak Djokovic says he is connecting more with new coach Andy Murray every day after the record 24-time Grand Slam champion booked a place in the fourth quarter of the Australian Open.
Djokovic, 37, overcame world number three Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final clash, fighting back from down the stretch to claim a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory which he wildly celebrated with Murray on Rod Laver Arena.
The former British No. 1 and his old Grand Slam rival are teaming up at a major tournament together for the first time, and Djokovic was full of praise for his new coach after confirming a place in the semi-finals in Melbourne.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The best of Australian Open quarter-final action as Djokovic fought back to beat Alcaraz
“This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and me, for the relationship,” Djokovic said. “That's why I went to him (to celebrate), because I was very grateful that he was there.
“I feel more and more connected to Andy every day. We are facing challenges… people obviously don't see it; we try to get the most out of every day and grow together.
“He was as dedicated to my career and 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 have to be.
“He gives all his support to me, to the whole team and tries to make it work.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Murray joked he hoped to sabotage Djokovic's chances of winning another Australian Open after the Serbian beat him on several occasions in Melbourne
Djokovic admits that he is “concerned” about the leg injury
A potential concern for Djokovic going forward is the left leg injury that required treatment during the opening set against Alcaraz, which is why he admitted in an on-court interview that if he had lost the second set, “I don't know if I would have continued to play.”
After taking some painkillers towards the end of the first set, Djokovic only improved physically as the match wore on before fading when serving things up in the fourth.
Djokovic battled Alcaraz to reach his 12th semi-final at the Australian Open
Taking advantage of an extra day of rest ahead of what is a significant 50th Grand Slam semi-final of his career – against world number two Alexander Zverev – the Serbian said he will be mentally ready, provided his body holds up to its end of the bargain.
“The extra day without a match comes at a good time,” said Djokovic. “As I said on the pitch, when I wake up tomorrow I have to assess the situation. I will try to do as much as I can with the recovery team.
Djokovic struggled with injury throughout the first set and early in the second set before coming back to beat Alcaraz
“I'm worried, to be honest, physically. But if I somehow manage to be good enough physically, I think mentally, emotionally, I'm as motivated as I can be.
“Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible fighting, high intensity, of course it takes its toll. At the same time, I think it affects the physical side more than the mental and emotional side.
“Actually, I feel like you feed off of a win like this. That's how I feel now.
“I don't think I will have, mentally or emotionally, any problem to face Zverev or to motivate myself.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Alexander Zverev was angry when the referee stopped his match with Tommy Polo because a feather fell on the court
Djokovic on Alcaraz's victory: I would like it to be a final
Finally, Djokovic – who failed to win one of the four Slams in 2024 for only the second time since 2011 (2017) – spoke of his joy at continuing to compete and beating some of the rising stars.
Alcaraz himself is a four-time Grand Slam champion at only 21 years old, and two of those victories came in the Wimbledon final against the Serb.
“It's just a big win. I'm very proud of it,” Djokovic said. “I'm happy 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 so much energy and intensity to the court. He always demands the best from his opponent to have a chance to beat him. I knew that going into the match.
“Every set was super close. The crowd was delighted, so much energy on the field. It was amazing.
“I felt like it was a Slam final, to be honest, I wish it was (laughing).”
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream from NOW and The Sky Sports appgiving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Learn more here.