Novak Djokovic shows sympathy to Carlos Alcaraz for being triggered by his injury battles during the Australian Open clash
Novak Djokovic acknowledges the effect of his medical timeout decision on Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open 2025 quarterfinals.
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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (via X)
Novak Djokovic battled past Carlos Alcaraz in a tough Australian Open quarterfinal winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. The match, played at Rod Laver Arena, saw Djokovic overcome a strong start from Alcaraz, who took the first set. The Serb took a medical timeout while trailing 4-5 in the first set.
Djokovic left the court to receive treatment for an apparent groin injury and returned with his upper left leg taped. This timeout drew mixed reactions from the public, with people questioning the timing and duration of the timeout, especially considering the close score at the time. In the post-match press conference, Djokovic addressed this timeout and the effect this decision had on his opponent.
I feel sorry for him. I understand that it’s not nice to play against someone who you don’t know if he’s going to give up or not. Is he moving? Is he running? What’s going on? I felt like he was watching me more than he was watching himself. I was just trying to watch what was happening in my body and at the same time focus on every point in every game and try to hold my serve and put pressure on him. That’s what happened.
Novak Djokovic via Australian Open press conference
Djokovic clarified the nature of his injury, comparing it to a previous one from two years ago. He emphasized the importance of managing physical pain during high-stakes matches. He also acknowledged how Carlos Alcaraz‘s momentary distraction due to his injury allowed him to capitalize on the situation and play with more confidence as the match progressed.
Speaking about the injury, Djokovic said that he hasn’t done any tests as of yet. When the physiotherapist took him off the court during the medical timeout, he strapped Djokovic’s leg and the doctor gave him some medications and painkillers that kicked in after 20-30 minutes. He described the medicines as helpful and took another dose at the beginning of the fourth set.
Novak Djokovic will face Alexander Zverev in the semifinal
With this victory Novak Djokovic advances to the semi finals of the Australian Open 2025. This is the 50th Grand Slam semifinal of his career, where he will face second seed Alexander Zverev.
The Serbian is looking to script history with this Grand Slam. Should he win the title, it would be a record 11th Australian Open title and also a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic is presently tied with Margaret Court for the most number of Grand Slam titles.
I put myself in a position where I could possibly break. I broke his serve at 5-4 (in the second set). That was enough to win the set. Then he started playing a little more hesitantly from the baseline. He was missing a little more balls. I started playing more freely. Again, I don’t know what will happen in the next few days, but I hope everything will be for the best.
Novak Djokovic via Australian Open press conference
Alexander Zverev meanwhile is aiming for his maiden Grand Slam title. The German was a finalist at the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open. He has a head to head record of 4-8 with Djokovic. The upcoming match also marks Zverev’s third Australian Open semifinal.
Zverev advanced to the semifinals after defeating American Tommy Paul, before Djokovic and Alcaraz’s match. The clash between Zverev and Djokovic is scheduled to take place on 24th January at Rod Laver Arena.
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Anubhav Bajpeyee
(242 Articles Published)