Djokovic says crossing Alcaraz hurdle 'huge win' for relationship with Murray

Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic said his relationship with coach Andy Murray is getting better with every passing day and the win against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal will only help further the bond.

In Short

• Novak Djokovic talked up his equation with coach Andy Murray
• Djokovic celebrated his win over Alcaraz with Murray at Rod Laver Arena
• The Serb will face 2nd seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-final

Novak Djokovic talked up the significance of his victory over Carlos Alcaraz, calling it an important milestone for himself and his team, which now includes his newly formed partnership with coach Andy Murray. After his quarter-final triumph, Djokovic celebrated with Murray, who was seated in the coaching pod, marking a poignant moment for the former rivals-turned-coach-and-player duo. Djokovic fought back from a set down to defeat Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, securing a spot in his 50th Grand Slam semi-final. | Aus Open: Full Coverage |

Having failed to win a Grand Slam in 2024, Djokovic sought a fresh perspective and brought in Andy Murray, who retired from professional tennis just last year. The Serb expressed his gratitude to Murray, acknowledging that the three-time Grand Slam champion agreed to the collaboration without much hesitation.

Murray’s relief was evident when Djokovic converted match point to seal a statement victory against the 21-year-old Alcaraz. The win silenced critics and demonstrated that Djokovic, at 37, remains a formidable force in the race for major titles.

“Yeah, I mean, I felt doing it at the end of the match,” Djokovic said, explaining his celebration with Murray at the Rod Laver Arena.

“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges every single day. People don’t see that, obviously. I mean, 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 is 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, you know, for the relationship. Yeah, that’s why I went to him, because I just felt very grateful that he is there,” he added.

HOW INJURY SCARE AFFECTED ALCARAZ

Djokovic endured an injury scare towards the end of the second set. The 37-year-old struggled with his movement and required a medical timeout after losing the first set 6-4. However, he rallied to win the second set, capitalising on a dip in Alcaraz’s level.

From that point on, Alcaraz found it difficult to recover as Djokovic raised his game in the third and fourth sets to seal the match.

Djokovic reflected on how Alcaraz might have missed an opportunity to capitalise when he appeared vulnerable in the second set. The 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged the psychological challenge Alcaraz faced under such circumstances.

“Look, I feel for him. I understand that it’s not comfortable to play someone when you don’t know if he’s going to retire or not. Is he moving? Is he running? What’s happening? I felt that he was looking at me more than he was looking at himself,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic, aiming for an 11th title in Melbourne, will face second seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals on Friday.