Major concerns grow as Novak Djokovic makes shock move in practice ahead of semi-final clash - as Jacob Fearnley recieves a surprise offer from the 24-time champion
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If Andy Murray can claim some share of the acclaim for Novak Djokovic’s extraordinary victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday night, then at least a sliver of credit should be allotted to his fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley. Fearnley, one of the stars of the first week of the Australian Open after his run to the third round, was the man who warmed Djokovic up for his blockbuster quarter-final.
![[Fearnley said it was 'unexpected' to be invited to practice with Djokovic and revealed he was about to leave when a coach came up to him and asked him if he'd like to train with the Serbian]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/08/94424555-14316437-image-a-24_1737622617248.jpg)
The 23-year-old has stayed on in Melbourne ahead of Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie in Japan at the end of January, and so was one of the few singles players left on site when Djokovic was after a hitting partner. ‘It was unexpected,’ said Fearnley. ‘I was about to leave and one of his coaches came up to me and asked in the locker room, “Would you want to hit with Novak?” Obviously I was like, “Yeah, sure!”.
![[Fearnley added that Andy Murray (pictured) was on the court at the same time as he practiced with Djokovic]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/08/94424095-14316437-image-a-20_1737621956767.jpg)
‘It was really cool. And Andy was on the court as well. It was a good experience for me and my coach.’. Fearnley did feel an element of pressure in the responsibility of preparing the 10-time champion for such a huge match. Novak Djokovic invited Jacob Fearnley (pictured) to hit with him ahead of the Serbian's victory against Carlos Alcaraz.
![[Djokovic will face Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals but a decisive factor in that clash is likely to be Djokovic’s fitness, after a suspected hamstring injury in the win over Alcaraz]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/08/94424595-14316437-image-a-25_1737622700733.jpg)
Fearnley said it was 'unexpected' to be invited to practice with Djokovic and revealed he was about to leave when a coach came up to him and asked him if he'd like to train with the Serbian. Fearnley added that Andy Murray (pictured) was on the court at the same time as he practiced with Djokovic.
![[The Serbian skipped practice on Thursday but is expected to be on court again on Friday before facing Zverev at 2.30pm]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/08/94424307-14316437-image-a-19_1737621928141.jpg)
