Novak Djokovic concerned over physical state after beating Carlos Alcaraz
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Novak Djokovic admitted he was concerned about his physical state but his motivation to win an 11th Australian Open title was on full display in a brilliant victory over Carlos Alcaraz. The 37-year-old recovered from a set down after sustaining a left leg injury to claim a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 triumph at 12.57am and advance to a 50th grand slam semi-final, describing it afterwards as “one of the most epic matches I’ve played on this court”.
“I just wish this match today was the final,” said Djokovic, who must try to recover for a clash with second seed Alexander Zverev on Friday. He crouched down, winced and shook his head towards his team after losing a long rally at 15-15 in the ninth game of the opening set, dropping serve and then heading off court for a medical timeout.
Djokovic returned with his left thigh strapped and appeared physically compromised for a spell, limping between points, but Alcaraz could not press home his advantage after winning the first set and his opponent roared back. “I have to assess the situation tomorrow when I wake up,” said Djokovic, who likened the injury to a hamstring tear he had in 2023, which did not stop him winning the tournament.
“I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team, with my physio, today, tomorrow, the next few days. Probably skip training tomorrow. I’ll see if I’m going to train in two days or not. “I’ll take it day by day. Now it’s really about recovery. I’m concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But, if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally, I’m as motivated as I can be.
