Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, rates Novak Djokovic’s display against Carlos Alcaraz as ‘one of the greatest performances’ he has ever seen
Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 at the Australian Open to reach his 50th career Grand Slam semifinals.
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Novak Djokovic and Darren Cahill (via X/Tennis Majors)
Novak Djokovic produced a statement performance in the quarter-final tie against Carlos Alcaraz to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open. The Serbian is now two wins away from cementing himself as the greatest player of all time by taking his Majors tally to 25. Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill reacted to his performance recently.
Djokovic has been a dominant force in Melbourne since first lifting the title in 2008 and proved it against a resolute Alcaraz. The 37-year-old was looking to be exiting the tournament after a poor first set, in which he struggled with an injury and had a lengthy medical timeout. But Alcaraz didn’t waste time to win the first set 6-4.
Despite injury worries for Djokovic, he surprisingly put out a show that got the already electric crowd in the Rod Laver Arena rocking. He hit the ball with more aggressiveness, defending and returning the balls accurately, limiting Alcaraz’s ability to use drop shots. The 10-time Australian Open champion won the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
The victory was a reminder to fans and tennis lovers that despite his age, he can still beat one of the best youngest players in the circuit. Darren Cahill, who watched the match revealed that it was one of the greatest performances he had ever seen from Djokovic.
For me it’s one of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen, simply because Djokovic got injured in the first set, he lost it, but he always tried to find a solution. When he came back from the locker room after the doctors’ intervention he changed his game. He also knew how to handle the fact that the crowd was behind Carlos, so he returned better, defended better, it’s really a very big performance.
Darren Cahill told ESPN during post-match coverage
Darren Cahill on Novak Djokovic performance vs Carlos Alcaraz "Simply one of the best performances I've seen…nothing but respect with the way that he played" pic.twitter.com/znu3lzzswc
— asud (@asud683385) January 22, 2025
Djokovic is now a pole favorite for winning the Australian Open following his performance against Alcaraz. But the Serbian must be worried about Jannik Sinner, whom he will likely face in the men’s singles final.
Novak Djokovic looking forward to tough encounter against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic will take on Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of the Australian Open. The latter earned his place at this stage of the tournament after beating American Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals on Tuesday (January 21). Djokovic, who looked to be struggling with an injury in the first and second set of his win against Carlos Alcaraz, also has injury fears ahead of his semifinal tie.
Ahead of his clash against Zverev, he revealed that he’s prepared for a tough battle against the German No.1 and is cautious of how hungry he is to win his first-ever Grand Slam.
I’m going to prepare myself for a tough battle. I’m going to prepare myself for a very intense and high-level match.. mean, I’m playing Zverev, who is in a great form, and he is going for his first Grand Slam. He’s been close. I mean, I’ve seen him play. I practised with him as well here.
Novak Djokovic said after the game
Djokovic holds an 8-4 lead in his head-to-head record against Zverev. The Serbian has won three of the last four meetings with the German and will be looking up to his new coach, Andy Murray, for another excellent game plan.
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Victor Okechukwu
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