“Now that it’s colder, I’m starting to feel different things. Let’s see how it goes tomorrow and day by day. (after that)”.
Charging
It’s the latest Australian Open injury drama for Djokovic, who suffered an abdominal tear in 2021, the aforementioned hamstring tear in 2023 and then a wrist issue in last year’s tournament.
He also underwent elbow surgery after the 2018 Open loss.
Djokovic looked unyielding for most of the second set and looked more conservative in his movements, even rarely trying to chase down Alcaraz’s regular shots.
Afterwards, he said he might not have continued the match when he lost the second set.
However, after fighting back from an early break, Djokovic scored a winner to blank his Spanish opponent. From there he took control of the game.
Djokovic retired limping after a leg injury.Credit: AP
The 37-year-old said he noticed improvement at the end of the second set, then felt “normal” throughout the third set and until halfway through the fourth set.
“(The) end of the fourth game was a little bit worse, but it was still good,” Djokovic said.
Charging
“Look, I can feel it (Alcaraz). I understand that it is not comfortable to play someone who you don’t know if they are going to retire or not. Are you trying? Is he running? What is happening? I felt like he was looking at me more than himself.
“It reminded me of 2023, when it really happened… I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next few days, but I hope for the best.”
Alcaraz, who hit 50 winners to Djokovic’s 31, and many more unforced errors, struggled tactically in this situation.
That “hesitation” in the 21-year-old’s game played into the hands of the super Serbian, as Djokovic called him, and Alcaraz was upset about it afterwards.
“I think everyone saw in the second set that it was a little difficult for him to move,” Alcaraz said.
“I don’t know if he’s more of a runner or a runner, but he’s definitely struggling.
“So, (in) In the third and fourth set I didn’t see anything wrong with him.
“I’m not saying I put on a show. I mean, he was obviously struggling in the second set and everyone saw it.
Djokovic, who compared the atmosphere of Tuesday night’s match to that of a Grand Slam final, is unlikely to get it right on Wednesday as his team is nursing an injury.
Djokovic’s fans have been a constant source of support during their quarterfinal clash.Credit: Penny Stevens
“The extra day without a game comes at a good time. Tomorrow I will have to evaluate the situation when I wake up – he said.
“I’m going to do everything I can with my recovery team, today and tomorrow with my physio. (and) the next few days. Tomorrow I will miss training. I’ll see if I can go to practice in two days.
“I’m anxious. I mean, physically. But if I somehow manage to improve physically, I think mentally and emotionally I will be as motivated as possible.”
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