Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind heated Andy Murray celebration: ‘We face challenges every day’
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Djokovic turned to his coach and roared after coming from a set down to beat Carlos Alcaraz and reach the Australian Open semi-finals. Novak Djokovic said he chose to turn to Andy Murray after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open as a “gesture of appreciation” for his coach.
![[Novak Djokovic hugged Andy Murray after his win over Carlos Alcaraz]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/21/16/22-17f83b64880944efbdf672e40a2784f7.jpg)
Djokovic defied an upper leg injury to defeat Alcaraz in four sets in a battle the 10-time champion described as one of the fiercest he has fought in Melbourne. After winning match point at nearly 1am, Djokovic turned to his coaching box and roared directly at Murray before shaking hands with Alcaraz at the net.
![[Djokovic left the court for a medical timeout]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/21/15/GettyImages-2195057336.jpg)
Djokovic appointed former rival Murray as his coach for the Australian Open and this was the partnership’s most significant moment yet as the 37-year-old bids to win a record 25th grand slam title this month. “I feel more and more connected with Andy every day,” Djokovic said after the 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 win. “We face challenges every single day. People don’t see that obviously.
“We try to make the most out of every day and grow together. He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be. “So it was kind of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the fact that he’s out there, and he doesn’t need to be.
“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.”. Meanwhile, Djokovic admitted he is “concerned” by his left leg injury as attention now turns to Friday’s Australian Open semi-final against second seed Alexander Zverev.
