Novak Djokovic ‘grateful’ for Andy Murray as he explains emotional gesture after Carlos Alcaraz win

Novak Djokovic expressed his appreciation and gratitude to his coach Andy Murray after his epic Australian Open quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
The legendary Serb described the triumph as “a huge win” for his relationship with Murray as he praised the Brit for the commitment he has brought to the role.
Djokovic delivered one of his finest performances in recent years to defeat 21-year-old Spanish rival Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.
The 37-year-old is aiming to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, where he is a 10-time champion.
After shaking hands with Alcaraz, Djokovic walked over to Murray in his coaching area, let out a roar of celebration and embraced his former rival.
Teamwork makes the dream work @DjokerNole • @andy_murray • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/IU8UxhndpP
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
This is Djokovic’s first tournament with Murray in his corner after the pair announced their shock collaboration in November.
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic was asked about his emotional gesture to Murray.
“Yeah, I mean I felt to do it in the end of the match,” the world No 7 explained. “I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. And just, we face challenges every single day, people don’t see that obviously.
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“We try to make the most out of every day, grow together and he’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be.
“It was kind of a gesture of appreciation and respect for him and the fact that he’s out there and he doesn’t need to be and that he accepted to work with me and that he’s 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 for the relationship.
“Yeah, that’s why I went to him because I felt very grateful that he’s there.”
Djokovic and Murray contested 36 matches during their rivalry, with the Serbian holding a 25-11 advantage.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam winner and former world No 1, brought the curtain down on his glittering playing career at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Djokovic will face world No 2 Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday.
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