Novak Djokovic says he feels more connected with new coach Andy Murray with every passing day after the record 24-time Grand Slam champion booked a place in the last four of the Australian Open.
Djokovic, 37, overcame world No 3 Alcaraz in a thrilling quarter-final clash, battling back from a set down to clinch a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory which he celebrated wildly with Murray on Rod Laver Arena.
The former British No 1 and his old Grand Slam rival are teaming up for the first time at a major tournament together, and Djokovic was full of praise for his new coach after confirming a semi-final spot in Melbourne.
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The best of the action from the Australian Open quarter-final as Djokovic fought back to beat Alcaraz
“This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, for the relationship,” Djokovic said. “That’s why I went to him [to celebrate], because I just felt very grateful that he’s there.
“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges… 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.
“He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.”
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Murray joked he is hoping to sabotage Djokovic’s chances of winning another Australian Open after being beaten by the Serb on several occasions in Melbourne
Djokovic admits he is ‘concerned’ over leg injury
A potential concern for Djokovic going forward is a left-leg injury that required treatment during the opening set against Alcaraz, one which saw him admit in his on-court interview that, had he lost the second set, “I don’t know if I would have continued playing”.
After taking on some painkillers towards the end of the first set, Djokovic only improved physically as the match wore on before fading a touch as he served things out in the fourth.
Image: Djokovic battled past Alcaraz to reach his 12th semi-final at the Australian Open
Benefitting from an extra day’s rest before what is a landmark 50th career Grand Slam semi-final for him – up against world No 2 Alexander Zverev – the Serb said he will be ready mentally, provided his body holds up its end of the bargain.
“The extra day with no match comes at a good time,” Djokovic said. “As I said on the court, I have to assess the situation tomorrow when I wake up. I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team.
Image: Djokovic struggled with an injury during the first set and for early parts of the second before he battled back to beat Alcaraz
“I’m concerned, to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.
“Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible battle, of high intensity, of course takes its toll. At the same time I think it has more toll on the physical side rather than mental and emotional.
“Actually it feels like you’re feeding off this kind of win. That’s how I feel now.
“I don’t think I’m going to have, mentally or emotionally, any issue to face Zverev or to motivate myself.”
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Alexander Zverev was angry when the umpire interrupted his match with Tommy Paul because a feather fell on the court
Djokovic on Alcaraz win: I wish it was the final
Finally, Djokovic – who failed to win one of the four Slams in 2024, for only the second time since 2011 (2017) – spoke of his joy at continuing to compete, and beat, some of the game’s rising stars.
Alcaraz is himself a four-time Grand Slam champion aged just 21, with two of those victories coming in Wimbledon finals against the Serb.
Major milestones for Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is only the second male or female in the Open Era to reach 50 singles semi-finals at Grand Slam events, after Chris Evert (52).
Djokovic has reached a 12th men’s semi-final at the Australian Open, trailing only Roger Federer (15) for the most at the event in the Open Era.
Djokovic has reached an eighth semi-final at a Grand Slam event since turning 35, trailing only Ken Rosewall (10).
Djokovic holds an 8-4 record head-to-head against Alexander Zverev at ATP level, with Djokovic winning their last meeting at Grand Slam level, in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in 2021.
“It’s just a great win. I’m very proud of it,” Djokovic said. “I’m just pleased with the way I was able to play, against one of the two or three best players in the world in the last three, four years.
“Carlos brings so much energy and intensity on the court. He always demands the best of his opponent in order to have a chance to win against him. I knew that coming into the match.
“Every set was super close. The crowd was into it, so much energy on the court. It was amazing.
“It felt like it was final of a Slam, to be honest I wish it was (smiling).”
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have formed a new coaching partnership that seems to be paying off, as Djokovic hails their Australian Open semi-final spot as a ‘huge win’. The two tennis superstars have been working together closely in recent months, and it seems to be paying dividends on the court.
In a recent post-match interview, Djokovic praised Murray for his dedication and hard work, saying that their collaboration has been a key factor in their success at the Australian Open. Murray, who has been struggling with injuries and form in recent years, seems to have found a new lease on his tennis career with Djokovic by his side.
The duo’s chemistry on the court has been evident in their performances, with Murray’s trademark fighting spirit and Djokovic’s tactical expertise combining to great effect. Their semi-final spot at the Australian Open is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and Djokovic is clearly delighted with their progress.
Fans are eagerly anticipating their upcoming matches, as Murray and Djokovic continue to prove that their partnership is a winning formula. With both players in top form, the sky is the limit for this dynamic duo. Stay tuned for more updates on their Australian Open journey.
James Trafford is a very confident man, unworried about situations nor opponents, as Wilson Isidor found out to his cost. The goalkeeper made two almost identical saves from late penalties to ensure Burnley were not leapfrogged by Sunderland.
The goalkeeper’s prowess ensured the rest of the Burnley performance was forgotten as they attempt to grind their way to the Premier League. They still sit second, having failed to overtake Leeds to go top of the table, but have scored a solitary goal in their past four league matches, including three goalless draws.
“This is a special keeper,” Burnley’s manager, Scott Parker, said. “This is a boy with huge, huge potential and I think you can see that. He’s confident, believes in himself and to get to the top, top level you need to have that certain belief and at times certain arrogance and Traff’s got that and he backs it up with what he does in between the two posts. The spotlight shone on him in the first occasion, the spotlight shone on him in the second occasion and I got the impression that Traff loved every bit of that.”
Until the 84th minute the game bordered on being forgettable but it was ignited when Isidor got the wrong side of CJ Egan-Riley. The defender put his hand in the vicinity of the striker’s shoulder and that was enough to send him to the ground. Any potential touch would have been outside the area but the referee, Anthony Backhouse, was convinced it merited a penalty. “I knew it was [outside the box – the foul for the first penalty],” Egan-Riley told Sky Sports.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper is used to such heroics, saving a 98th-minute spot-kick in 2023 to help England lift the European Under‑21 Championship. He had a cunning plan to delay the penalty kicks and leave Isidor looking at the ball on the spot for as long as possible, tying his laces and a prolonged stretching of his hamstring for the second.
The tactics worked as Isidor went for power but Trafford moved to his right and repelled his fierce shots. Turf Moor was relieved and happy to settle for the point but that was not the end of the action in the Burnley penalty area. Debutant Oliver Sonne did not make the best impression on the crowd when he was adjudged to have taken down Dennis Cirkin in the box in the 97th minute.
A dejected Wilson Isidor after his first penalty was saved. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA
Nerves abounded inside Turf Moor, except on the goalline where Trafford finally took his place, stared down Isidor and stopped an identical penalty. The crowd roared once more and the chants about their heroic goalkeeper did not finish until long after the final whistle. It was Trafford’s 17th clean sheet of the season and ensured his team have conceded a mere nine goals in 27 matches, leading Parker to admit it felt like a win.
Asked how Isidor was, Régis Le Bris said: “Disappointed, like the team, but football is like that, you have to make decisions, you can make mistakes, and in the end you have to assume and learn from these mistakes because it’s the best way to improve, it’s the best way to grow. Our team is still young, we are facing different experiences, and we are learning from these experiences, and this one will be very useful for sure. You talked about Ussi’s character, and he had that spell of games, not scoring, and he showed it again by taking the second penalty after missing the first.”
Prior to the late flurry of activity, a goalless draw appeared inevitable but at least there were some memorable moments to take away. It was the only time Trafford was called into action, while the Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson made one save of note from Jaidon Anthony in the first half as Burnley struggled to pose any degree of threat for the vast majority of the match despite dominating possession.
Sunderland are fourth in the table and it seems that if either side are to galvanise their push for promotion, they need to sharpen up in the final third or risk losing everything the players are working so hard for.
Burnley’s goalkeeper, Joe Parker, was the hero of the match as his penalty saves denied Sunderland in a thrilling Championship encounter. The 26-year-old shot-stopper put on a masterclass performance, pulling off two incredible saves to secure a vital point for his team.
After the match, Burnley’s manager, Sean Dyche, was quick to praise Parker for his outstanding display, describing him as a ‘special’ talent. Dyche highlighted Parker’s composure and agility in the crucial moments, which ultimately denied Sunderland the chance to take all three points.
Parker himself was modest in his assessment of his performance, crediting his teammates for their hard work and dedication on the pitch. However, he acknowledged the significance of his penalty saves in keeping Burnley in the game and expressed his gratitude for the support of the fans.
Overall, it was a memorable night for Parker and Burnley, as they continue to push for promotion to the Premier League. With Parker in such fine form, the team will be hoping to build on this result and continue their strong run of form in the Championship.
President-elect Donald Trump congratulated and thanked Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel after the Sunshine State lawmaker announced her decision to dump her Democratic Party affiliation and join the GOP.
“Today, I am announcing my decision to change my party affiliation from Democrat to Republican,” Cassel said in a statement. “I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.”
In a statement hailing the move, Trump urged more Democrats to defect.
Left: Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump smiles during a Hispanic roundtable at Beauty Society on Oct. 12, 2024 in North Las Vegas, Nevada; Right: Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel(Left: Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Right: flhouse.gov)
“Congratulations to Hillary Cassel for becoming the second State Representative from the Great State of Florida to switch her Party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, once more expanding the GOP Supermajority in the State House! I would further like to invite other Disillusioned Democrats to switch Parties, and join us on this noble quest to Save our Country and, Make America Great Again – GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. THANK YOU HILLARY!” Trump exclaimed in a Truth Social post.
Cassel’s announcement came after fellow Florida state Rep. Susan Valdés announced earlier this month that she was switching her registration from Democrat to Republican.
While seeking office in 2022, Cassel described herself as a “proud Democrat,” “pro-choice champion,” and “faithful ally of the LGBTQ+ community.”
She also pledged that she would “stand up to #ClimateChange deniers” and “stand up to the NRA and fight for a ban on military style assault rifles and the high capacity ammunition that make them so lethal.”
But now Cassel says the Democratic Party does not reflect her values.
“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not on their labels,” she noted in her statement. “As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism. I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians. I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values.
“I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect. The House Republican Conference empowers members to find common sense solutions to real issues facing all Floridians. They welcome different ideas and collaboration, which is the cornerstone of effective government. Those are my values,” Cassel noted.
Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.
President Trump took to Twitter today to praise Florida Democratic congressional candidate Omar Smith for his decision to leave the Democratic party and join the Republican party.
In his tweet, Trump wrote: “THANK YOU HILLARY! Another Democrat sees the light and joins the winning team. Welcome to the GOP, Omar Smith!”
Smith, who is running for Congress in Florida’s 15th district, announced his decision to switch parties earlier this week, citing the Democratic party’s shift towards socialism and far-left policies as his reason for leaving.
Trump’s tweet comes as no surprise, as he has long been critical of the Democratic party and has made efforts to court disaffected Democrats to join the Republican party. Smith’s decision is seen as a significant win for the GOP in a crucial swing state like Florida.
The move also highlights the growing divide within the Democratic party, as more moderate members feel alienated by the party’s leftward shift. It remains to be seen how Smith’s decision will impact the upcoming election, but for now, Trump is reveling in the victory. #Florida #GOP #Democrats #Trump #OmarSmith
