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.
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 appointed former rival Murray as his coach for the Australian Open and this was the partnership’s most significant moment yet.
Djokovic and Murray also hugged on the Rod Laver Arena as the 37-year-old took a step closer to winning 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.
