No Thursday practice for Novak Djokovic as he manages thigh injury
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Novak Djokovic skipped practice at Melbourne Park for the second day in a row ahead of his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday. The Serbian admitted he was concerned about his physical condition after sustaining a left thigh injury during his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
It was no surprise that Djokovic did not practise on site on Wednesday but, having been on the schedule on Thursday, his session was then removed. He is due to hit on Friday lunchtime in preparation for the semi-final but it remains to be seen to what extent he will have been able to recover for his second clash in a row against a top-three opponent.
Speaking after beating Alcaraz, Djokovic said: “It’s definitely going to be challenging from every aspect. I’m playing Zverev, who is in great form, and he is going for his first grand slam. “I think he loves the conditions. He’s got a big serve. He’s a super dangerous opponent on this surface against anyone. The extra day with no match comes at a good time.
“I hope to be able physically to be moving freely and to be able to be ready to play five sets.”. Djokovic is no stranger to battling through the draw in Melbourne while carrying an injury having defied an abdominal strain in 2021 and a hamstring injury two years ago.
The victory over Alcaraz was a feather in the cap for Andy Murray in his fledgling coaching career, with Djokovic heading straight to the coaching box to give his old rival a hug. Ahead of the match, Djokovic warmed up with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, who has stayed in Melbourne to prepare for the Davis Cup trip to Japan.
