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Tag: Novak
How much prize money did Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek & Paula Badosa earn despite Australian Open 2025 SF exit?
Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Ben Shelton and Paula Badosa will each earn A$1,100,000 from Australian Open 2025. Each of them exited the tournament in the semifinals.
Djokovic was vying for a record 25th Grand Slam title and an 11th title at the Melbourne Major. The Serb battled injury issues to reach the semifinals, defeating Nishesh Basavareddy, Jaime Faria, Tomas Machac, Jiri Lehecka and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serb faced Alexander Zverev in the final four, and the first set ended in favor of the German after a tiebreak. After this, Djokovic retired due to an injury and later revealed in a press conference that he suffered a muscle tear. The Serb will earn a prize money of A$1,100,000 after a second successive semifinal exit at the Australian Open.
Women’s World No. 1 Iga Swiatek will receive a similar amount for her run in Melbourne. The Pole entered the tournament with a chance of reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking and booked her place in the semifinals after dropping just 14 games in her prior encounters.
Swiatek faced Madison Keys in the final four and won the first set 7-5 but the American bounced back to take the second set 6-1 and force the match into a decider. The Pole produced the first break of the final set and led 6-5. She also had a match point but Keys saved it to take the set into a tiebreaker, which she won 10-8 to eliminate Swiatek.
Paula Badosa and Ben Shelton suffered straight-set defeats at the Australian Open
Paula Badosa during her Australian Openn semifinal against Aryna Sabalenka (Image Source: Getty) Paula Badosa and Ben Shelton had impressive runs at the Australian Open, which came to an end in the semifinals. The Spaniard reached her maiden Grand Slam semifinal after defeating Wang Xinyu, Talia Gibson, 17th seed Marta Kostyuk, Olga Danilovic and third seed Coco Gauff. Here, she faced good friend Aryna Sabalenka and lost 4-6, 2-6.
21st seed Ben Shelton reached his second Australian Open quarterfinal after fighting off some tough opponents in Brandon Nakashima, Pablo Carreno Busta, 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti and Gael Monfils. Here, the American faced Lorenzo Sonego and bagged a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) win to reach his second Grand Slam semifinal.
Here, Shelton faced World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and lost 6-7(2), 2-6, 2-6. Like Djokovic and Swiatek, Shelton and Badosa will also earn A$1,100,000 each for their run to the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Edited by Neelabhra Roy
Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Paula Badosa may have exited the Australian Open 2025 in the semifinals, but they still earned a substantial amount of prize money for their efforts. Despite falling short of the final, these talented players walked away with impressive paychecks.Ben Shelton, the rising star from the United States, earned $500,000 for reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025. Despite losing in the penultimate round, Shelton’s performance showcased his potential and earned him a significant payday.
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, added another $750,000 to his already impressive career earnings by reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025. Although Djokovic fell short of defending his title, he still walked away with a hefty sum of prize money.
Iga Swiatek, the Polish sensation, earned $600,000 for her semifinal run at the Australian Open 2025. Despite a valiant effort, Swiatek was unable to reach the final but still received a substantial amount of prize money for her performance.
Paula Badosa, the Spanish rising star, also earned $600,000 for reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025. Badosa’s impressive run showcased her potential on the big stage and earned her a significant paycheck.
Overall, despite their semifinal exits, Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Paula Badosa all walked away with impressive prize money from the Australian Open 2025. Their performances may have ended in disappointment, but their earnings serve as a reminder of their talent and potential in the world of tennis.
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- Ben Shelton prize money
- Novak Djokovic earnings
- Iga Swiatek Australian Open
- Paula Badosa semifinal payout
- Australian Open 2025 prize money
- Tennis players earnings
- Grand Slam tournament payouts
- Top tennis players earnings
- Australian Open semifinalists earnings
- Prize money in professional tennis
#prize #money #Ben #Shelton #Novak #Djokovic #Iga #Swiatek #Paula #Badosa #earn #Australian #Open #exit
Novak Djokovic’s tennis is good enough to win more Grand Slams, but his body is at its limit
MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic won some of his 24 Grand Slams without playing his best tennis. When his level wasn’t quite where it needed to be, his body would step up to outlast and outmaneuver his opponents.
Before he became the Novak Djokovic he is now — men’s Grand Slam title record-holder and the longest-lasting member of the ‘Big Three’ — he was in a very different situation. His level was comparable to that of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but his body kept letting him down.
He retired against Nadal at the 2006 French Open; he did the same thing against the same opponent in the Wimbledon semifinals a year later. His ailments became so notorious that Andy Roddick mocked him in a withering attack ahead of their U.S. Open quarterfinal in 2008, suggesting that some of his injuries were not genuine.
Roddick listed ailments including: “bird flu… Anthrax. SARS. Common cough and cold” when asked about Djokovic’s injuries. Federer also criticized Djokovic after his retirement against Roddick at the 2009 Australian Open, saying: “It’s happened before, he’s not the guy who’s never given up before, so that’s kind of disappointing to see.”
Sixteen years later and now aged 37, Djokovic appears to have come full circle. His level is there, but his body is failing him.
On Friday at the Australian Open, a physically compromised Djokovic was able to go toe-to-toe with the world No. 2 Alexander Zverev for 81 minutes of their semifinal, only losing a gruelling first set when he missed a sitter volley on top of the net down 5-6 in a tiebreak. Djokovic immediately retired, shaking hands with Zverev and waving to the crowd as he left the court.
Djokovic was even able to beat the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in Tuesday’s quarterfinal despite tearing a muscle in his left leg towards the end of the first set. This same issue forced him to retire against Zverev, underlining the miraculousness of that win on Tuesday as well as the gulf between playing on adrenaline and painkillers and actually recovering from an acute muscle injury.
He had performed a similar miracle at the French Open last June, beating Francisco Cerundolo in five sets despite tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee midway through the match. He had surgery after the tournament and reached the Wimbledon final less than six weeks later.
Neither miracle had a happy ending. He withdrew from the French Open before his next match against Casper Ruud; at Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz took advantage of his limited movement and blew him off the court in a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) win where the scoreboard flattered Djokovic.
These results, two retirements and an injury-influenced thrashing, account for three of Djokovic’s last four Grand Slams; he also exited the 2024 U.S. Open in a shock defeat to Alexei Popyrin in which his flexibility and durability were fleeting rather than fundamental.
Djokovic is now in a compromised catch-22: he has the level to win the four five-set majors he actually cares about, but the physicality to win the three-set events that make up the bulk of the ATP Tour and about which he largely does not care. It’s a cruel coda for someone who got so used to pulling off barely believable Houdini acts, especially here in Melbourne, where he won the title with muscle tears in 2021 and 2023.
Novak Djokovic’s body could not sustain a Grand Slam semifinal this time. (Yuichi Yamazaki / AFP via Getty Images)
In Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz, Djokovic also has two proper rivals who can outmatch him on the court. Both smoked him in Grand Slam matches last year, before Djokovic beat Alcaraz in (two) straight sets in the Olympic gold-medal match and then defeated him again here Tuesday.
In an individual contest, especially over three sets, he is still a match for them both. But Grand Slams are not about individual wins. They are an exercise in accumulation and endurance, in which players have to beat one and sometimes two or three of their strongest rivals while ensuring they don’t expend too much energy in earning the opportunity to do so.
Djokovic, who has mastered the art of winning the first four rounds of a major with as little trouble as possible over his career, is the greatest exponent of Grand Slam pacing the sport has ever seen. At the 2019 Australian Open, he lost two games in the quarterfinal against Kei Nishikori, who had to retire in the second set, and then beat Lucas Pouille for the loss of four games to reach the final. A year later, when the 2020 final went to a fifth set, it was Djokovic, not Dominic Thiem, who was able to dig deep and find something extra.
GO DEEPER
How Novak Djokovic changed his game to become the GOAT
Five years on, the passage of time has done what is inevitable, leaving Djokovic limping out of majors having made a career out of being one of the ultimate endurance tests in men’s tennis. In his news conference after retiring against Zverev, he admitted that the “statistics are against him” in terms of the frequency of his recent injuries.
“It’s not like I’m worrying approaching every Grand Slam now whether I’m going to get injured,” he said. “It is true that (I’ve been) getting injured quite a bit in the last few years. I don’t know what exactly is the reason for that. Maybe several different factors.”
The most obvious factor is his age. The endurance of Serena Williams, Nadal and Federer has remade what constitutes the end of a tennis career, but even Djokovic’s superhuman peers had stopped winning majors at the age he is now. Federer won his last slam at 36 in 2018. Nadal won the 2022 French Open two days after turning that same age, but did so with an entirely numbed foot and has not been close to being a factor in a major since. Andy Murray, Djokovic’s coach here in Melbourne, won the last of his three majors at 29 and made his last second-week appearance just after turning 30.
“It’s unfortunate if the body’s not responding in the way that you would like,” Murray said to a small group of reporters Friday.
Despite this, Djokovic is not done.
“I’ll keep striving to win more slams. And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around,” he said.
If the opening and closing chapters of Djokovic’s career do prove symmetrical, his career will still be remembered for the 13 years and record-breaking number of majors that came in between, when either his body, mind or otherworldly talents would compensate for any temporary deficiencies.
As he finds himself hamstrung by his own flesh, the future of his quest for more of the biggest titles in the sport is more uncertain than it has ever been.
(Top photo: Andy Cheung / Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic has proven time and time again that he is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. With 20 Grand Slam titles under his belt, he is just one behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most in men’s tennis history. However, as Djokovic gets older, it is becoming increasingly clear that his body may be starting to betray him.In recent years, Djokovic has had to deal with a number of injuries that have hampered his ability to compete at the highest level. From elbow issues to neck problems, the Serbian superstar has had to battle through pain and discomfort in order to stay on the court. While he has managed to continue winning titles despite these setbacks, it is clear that his body is starting to show signs of wear and tear.
At 34 years old, Djokovic is reaching an age where many tennis players start to see a decline in their performance. While his skill and talent are unquestionable, his body may not be able to keep up with the demands of the grueling ATP Tour schedule for much longer. If Djokovic wants to continue adding to his impressive Grand Slam tally, he may need to start prioritizing rest and recovery in order to prolong his career.
Despite his body being at its limit, there is no denying that Djokovic’s tennis is still good enough to win more Grand Slam titles. His mental toughness, physical conditioning, and strategic prowess are unmatched on the court, and he has shown time and time again that he is capable of overcoming any obstacle in his path. However, if Djokovic wants to continue competing at the highest level for years to come, he may need to start listening to his body and making adjustments to his training and tournament schedule.
In conclusion, Novak Djokovic’s tennis is undoubtedly good enough to win more Grand Slams, but his body may be reaching its limit. As he continues to age, Djokovic will need to prioritize his health and well-being in order to prolong his career and continue competing at the highest level. Only time will tell if Djokovic can continue to defy the odds and add to his already impressive legacy in the sport of tennis.
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Así fue el sorpresivo abandono de Novak Djokovic en el Australian Open
Sorpresa total en las semifinales del Australian Open: Novak Djokovic (7° del ranking mundial) abandonó inmediatamente tras perder el primer set ante Alexander Zverev (2°) por 7-6 (5). Cuando el serbio falló una volea fácil, que le otorgó el parcial a Sascha, decidió no continuar y se retiró del match.
2:44
El pedido de Zverev por los silbidos a Djokovic: “Por favor, un poquito de respeto”
El alemán, finalista del Australian Open, pidió empatía con el serbio.
Cabe recordar que Djokovic venía al límite físicamente luego de su victoria en cuartos de final ante Carlos Alcaraz (3°), en cuatro sets. Allí, sufrió una lesión en la pierna izquierda y le impidió entrenarse en la previa a este duelo contra Zverev.
Luego de su decisión, el ganador de 24 títulos de Grand Slam se fue bajo una lluvia de silbidos y algunos aplausos, a lo que respondió saludando de forma irónica en lo que fue su salida de un torneo que ganó en 10 oportunidades. Luego, Zverev pidió respeto por la figura de Novak.
1:51
Sorpresa: Djokovic se retiró tras perder el primer set
El serbio no completó su partido y Zverev es finalista del Australian Open.
Toda la actividad del Abierto de Australia se sigue en VIVO por Disney+ Premium.
El tenista serbio Novak Djokovic sorprendió a todos al abandonar el Australian Open de forma inesperada.Durante su partido de tercera ronda contra el italiano Jannik Sinner, Djokovic se vio visiblemente afectado por una lesión en el abdomen que lo obligó a retirarse del encuentro. A pesar de los intentos del tenista por continuar jugando, finalmente decidió abandonar el torneo para no empeorar su condición física.
El abandono de Djokovic dejó a sus seguidores consternados y desilusionados, ya que muchos esperaban que el serbio lograra su noveno título en el Australian Open. Sin embargo, el tenista aseguró que su prioridad era cuidar su salud y recuperarse lo antes posible para volver a las canchas en plenas condiciones.
A pesar de este revés, Djokovic demostró una vez más su profesionalismo y dedicación al deporte, y seguramente volverá más fuerte que nunca en futuros torneos. ¡Le deseamos una pronta recuperación al campeón! #Djokovic #AustralianOpen #Tenis
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Novak Djokovic, abandono sorpresivo, Australian Open, tenis, lesión, retirada, deportes, noticias, torneo de tenis, Novak Djokovic lesionado, deportista, competencia, actualidad deportiva.
#Así #fue #sorpresivo #abandono #Novak #Djokovic #Australian #OpenCómo fueron todos los retiros de Novak Djokovic en Grand Slam
Novak Djokovic (7º ATP), máximo ganador de Grand Slam, no pudo completar su partido de semifinales en el Australian Open frente a Alexander Zverev (2º) debido a una lesión que lo obligó a abandonar al finalizar un reñido primer set.
Este fue el séptimo incidente en torneos Majors para “Nole” y el segundo en Melbourne Park. A continuación, se presenta un repaso de los casos que le impidieron aumentar aún más sus impresionantes estadísticas en los eventos más importantes del tenis mundial.
El pupilo de Andy Murray, que habló en conferencia de prensa sobre su futuro con el escocés en los boxs, dejó el rectángulo de juego antes de tiempo por primera vez en la segunda ronda de Roland Garros 2005. Siendo un jovencito que recién emergía en esta clase de campeonatos, se enfrentaba al argentino Guillermo Coria, por entonces noveno del mundo, y no podría dar el batacazo luego de un prometedor comienzo.
Se quedó con el primer parcial, pero luego, tras el resurgir del “Mago”, que estampó la igualdad y se adelantó 3-2 en la tercera manga, el balcánico padecería algunos problemas respiratorios, sumado a calambres, que derivarían en su primer e inesperado retiro.
El polvo de ladrillo de París 12 meses después, en 2006, sería otra vez el escenario de su siguiente abandono. Dejando una grata imagen ante la multitud, el serbio de apenas 19 años, realizaría un espectacular torneo antes de tirar la toalla en los cuartos de final ante el mismísimo Rafael Nadal, campeón defensor y ya un emblema de la superficie, por un malestar en la espalda antes de comenzar el tercer set.
En 2007, el césped de Wimbledon le jugaría una nueva mala pasada al nacido de Belgrado. ¿Su adversario? Otra vez Nadal. En esta oportunidad sería una ampolla infectada en su dedo meñique del pie izquierdo y su recurrente dolor de espalda los motivos de su adiós. No sería una decisión fácil par él ya que tenía ventaja en el score de 3-6, 6-1 y 4-1 cuando decidió darle el pasaje a semifinales al español. El serbio aseguraría, en conferencia de prensa, que el épico partido ganado a cinco sets ante el chipriota Marcos Baghdatis en la ronda previa, le pasó factura a su cuerpo.
Retiros en París, Londres y… en 2009 llegaría el momento de Melbourne. Djokovic, que por entonces defendía el título por su victoria del 2008 ante el francés Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, abandonaría en los cuartos de final del Australian Open ante el estadounidense Andy Roddick en una jornada marcada por el calor, con una temperatura que rondaba los 40 grados Celsius y que le hizo daño a su físico. Perdiendo 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2, 2-1, el serbio dejaría, abatido, el suelo australiano argumentando sentir calambres y dolores. “Las condiciones fueros extremas”, diría minutos después.
Desde ese momento, muchos años y trofeos pasaron por sus manos sin tener que dejar la cancha antes de finalizar el partido en Grand Slam. Quien fue abucheado por los aficionados aussies se retiraría en Wimbledon 2017 en los cuartos de final ante Tomas Berdych por una lesión en su brazo derecho, razón por la cual el checo sumaría su segundo éxito ante Novak en La Catedral tras lo hecho en 2010.
En tanto, su último abandono había sido en 2019 ante Stan Wawrinka en el Abierto de los Estados Unidos, donde nunca le había ocurrido, cuando decidió retirarse a causa de un fuerte malestar en el hombre izquierdo, dictaminando el pase del suizo a los cuartos de final.
Así, Djokovic, que encendió las alarmas al afirmar que pudo haber sido su última presentación en el Abierto de Australia, sumó ante “Sascha” su séptimo retiro en partidos de Grand Slam, de modo que el alemán jugará por primera vez la definición del torneo.
Toda la actividad del Abierto de Australia se sigue en VIVO por Disney+ Premium.
Novak Djokovic es uno de los mejores tenistas de todos los tiempos, pero a lo largo de su carrera ha tenido que retirarse de algunos torneos importantes debido a lesiones o problemas físicos. A continuación, repasaremos todos los retiros de Djokovic en Grand Slam:1. Australian Open 2006: En su primer Grand Slam como jugador profesional, Djokovic se vio obligado a retirarse en la tercera ronda debido a problemas de salud.
2. Wimbledon 2007: En este torneo, Djokovic se retiró en las semifinales debido a una lesión en el pie.
3. US Open 2011: En cuartos de final, Djokovic se retiró debido a problemas respiratorios.
4. US Open 2019: Djokovic se retiró en los octavos de final debido a una lesión en el hombro.
A pesar de estos contratiempos, Djokovic ha logrado ganar múltiples títulos de Grand Slam y seguirá siendo un jugador destacado en el mundo del tenis. ¡Esperamos verlo brillar en muchos más torneos en el futuro!
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Andy Murray: Novak Djokovic hails Australian Open semi-final spot as ‘huge win’ for new coaching partnership | Tennis News
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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).”
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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.
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- Australian Open
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Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind heated Andy Murray celebration
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Novak Djokovic said he chose to turn to Andy Murray after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open as a “gesture of appreciation” for his coach.
Djokovic defied an upper leg injury to defeat Alcaraz in four sets in a battle the 10-time champion described as one of the fiercest he has fought in Melbourne.
After winning match point at nearly 1am, Djokovic turned to his coaching box and roared directly at Murray before shaking hands with Alcaraz at the net.
Djokovic appointed former rival Murray as his coach for the Australian Open and this was the partnership’s most significant moment yet.
Djokovic and Murray also hugged on the Rod Laver Arena as the 37-year-old took a step closer to winning a record 25th grand slam title this month.
“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day,” Djokovic said after the 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 win. “We face challenges every single day. 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 accepted to work with me. 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.”
Novak Djokovic hugged Andy Murray after his win over Carlos Alcaraz (AP) Meanwhile, Djokovic admitted he is “concerned” by his left leg injury as attention now turns to Friday’s Australian Open semi-final against second seed Alexander Zverev.
He was forced to take a medical timeout towards the end of the first set and admitted he may have quit had he not won the second set, before the painkillers started to work.
“I have to assess the situation tomorrow when I wake up,” Djokovic said. “I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team, with my physio today, tomorrow, the next few days. Probably skip training tomorrow.
“I’ll see if I’m going to train in two days or not. I’ll take it day by day. Now it’s really about recovery.
“I’m concerned. I am, 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.
Djokovic left the court for a medical timeout (Getty Images) “This match drains both players. Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible battle, of high intensity, of course it has 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 hope to be able physically to be moving freely and to be able to be ready to play five sets.”
Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind heated Andy Murray celebrationIn a recent interview, Novak Djokovic opened up about the fiery celebration that followed his victory over Andy Murray in the Australian Open final. Many fans and commentators were puzzled by Djokovic’s intense reaction, which included screaming and pointing at his box.
Djokovic explained that the celebration was a release of pent-up emotions and frustrations that had been building throughout the match. He admitted that Murray had pushed him to his limits and that he was feeling the pressure of defending his title.
“I have so much respect for Andy and what he brings to the court,” Djokovic said. “But in that moment, I was just so overwhelmed with emotion. It was a combination of relief, joy, and adrenaline that came pouring out of me.”
Djokovic also revealed that the celebration was a tribute to his team, who had supported him through thick and thin. “I wanted to show them how much their belief in me means,” he said. “They are my rock, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Overall, Djokovic’s passionate celebration was a testament to the intensity and competitiveness of professional tennis. It was a raw, unfiltered display of emotion that showcased the mental and physical toll that top-level athletes endure in pursuit of greatness.
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Australian Open 2025: Inside Novak Djokovic’s partnership with coach Andy Murray
While Djokovic has not practised at Melbourne Park since beating Alcaraz, there have been plenty of chances over the fortnight to see how the team dynamic works.
During a warm-up hit with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley before the quarter-final, Murray watched every movement intently from behind the baseline.
When the session wrapped up, Djokovic embraced Murray before the pair – to the delight of the several hundred watching – had a quick knock on court.
A couple of gentle rallies ended when Djokovic, rather brutally given Murray’s fitness issues, brought out a drop-shot which the Scot dutifully chased down.
Then it was back to collecting Djokovic’s racquets and taking them to the stringer.
“When I saw Andy walking through the corridors with all Novak’s racquets, taking them to the stringer, you could see he is taking this job very seriously,” Australian former world number four Sam Stosur told Channel Nine.
Djokovic’s pre-tournament practice sessions against Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Arthur Fils offered more insight.
Standing close behind Djokovic and sometimes in the doubles alley, Murray constantly offered feedback, shouted praise after winners and made notes.
He also compared observations with Boris Bosnjakovic, who ran Djokovic’s training centre in Belgrade before becoming part of the team last May after long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic left.
“It’s about making small changes to things and trying to help him and improve with the whole team,” Murray said.
The Australian Open 2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with all eyes on Novak Djokovic and his new partnership with coach Andy Murray.Djokovic, who has already cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, surprised fans and analysts alike when he announced that he would be teaming up with Murray, a fellow Grand Slam champion and former world number one.
The partnership between Djokovic and Murray is a fascinating development in the world of tennis coaching. Both players have had incredible success on the court, but they also share a deep mutual respect and understanding of each other’s games.
Murray, known for his tactical prowess and mental toughness, will no doubt bring a fresh perspective and valuable insights to Djokovic’s game. Together, they will work to fine-tune Djokovic’s already formidable skills and strategies, with the goal of reaching even greater heights in the sport.
As the Australian Open approaches, all eyes will be on Djokovic and Murray as they make their debut as a coaching team. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how their partnership unfolds on the court, and whether it will lead Djokovic to yet another Grand Slam victory.
Stay tuned for more updates on Djokovic and Murray’s partnership at the Australian Open 2025. It’s sure to be a thrilling ride for all tennis fans!
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#Australian #Open #Novak #Djokovics #partnership #coach #Andy #MurrayAustralian Open 2025 LIVE: Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev – semi-final scores, updates & radio
Djokovic aims for win 100 in Melbournepublished at 03:40 Greenwich Mean Time
Djokovic v Zverev
Image source, Getty Images
A few days before the Australian Open started, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev played out a light-hearted ‘Night with Novak’ charity match.
This latest meeting on Rod Laver Arena will have a very different feel.
In competitive meetings, Djokovic holds the edge with eight wins in 12 meetings with Zverev, while he also won the pair’s only Australian Open meeting, in the quarter-finals in 2021.
Victory for Djokovic would be his 100th at the Australian Open, joining Roger Federer as the only two men to achieve 100
singles wins at the tournament.It would also take him through to a record-extending
11th Australian Open final and 38th Grand Slam final.
Attention tennis fans! Tune in for live coverage of the Australian Open 2025 semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. Follow along for real-time scores, updates, and commentary as these two tennis titans battle it out on the court.Stay connected with us as we bring you all the latest action from this highly anticipated showdown. Don’t miss a moment of the excitement as Djokovic and Zverev go head to head for a chance to advance to the finals.
For those on the go, you can also catch the match on our live radio broadcast, providing you with all the thrilling moments and analysis as they happen. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and join us for all the action at the Australian Open 2025 semi-final match between Djokovic and Zverev. Let’s see who will emerge victorious in this epic clash of tennis stars!
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#Australian #Open #LIVE #Novak #Djokovic #Alexander #Zverev #semifinal #scores #updates #radio2025 Australian Open men’s semifinal preview: Novak Djokovic vs. Alexander Zverev
Zverev is indeed a formidable follow-up to Alcaraz. The German is tough to break, he makes his opponents work for every point, he understands how to pace himself over five sets, he knows his best is good enough to beat anyone, and he’s 10 years younger.
But the last step has proved the hardest for him. Twice Zverev was in a position to win a Slam last year, in the Australian Open semifinals and the Roland Garros final. In Melbourne, he went up two sets to love against Daniil Medvedev and lost. In Paris, he went up two sets to one against Carlos Alcaraz and lost. He’ll know that, and more important, Djokovic will know it, too.
Something new and different might happen in this match. Djokovic’s injury might hamper him. He might be too tired. Zverev might finally be ready to come through against him at a Slam.
So why does it feel like déjà vu all over again Down Under? Winner: Djokovic
The 2025 Australian Open has reached the semifinal stage, and tennis fans are in for a thrilling matchup as world No. 1 Novak Djokovic takes on the talented Alexander Zverev.Djokovic, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, is no stranger to success at the Australian Open, having won the title multiple times in his career. The Serbian star is known for his incredible defensive skills, relentless consistency, and mental toughness on the court. Djokovic’s ability to raise his level in key moments makes him a formidable opponent for anyone.
On the other side of the net, Zverev is a rising star in men’s tennis, known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style. The German player has already made a name for himself on the ATP Tour, reaching the top five in the world rankings and capturing several titles along the way. Zverev’s all-around game and ability to dictate play from the baseline make him a dangerous opponent for anyone.
When these two players meet in the semifinals of the Australian Open, fans can expect a high-quality match filled with intense rallies, big serves, and strategic play. Djokovic will look to use his experience and mental strength to outlast Zverev, while the young German will aim to unleash his powerful game and take control of the match.
As both players vie for a spot in the final, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. Tennis fans around the world will be glued to their screens as Djokovic and Zverev battle it out for a chance to lift the coveted Australian Open trophy. Make sure to tune in and witness the action unfold in what promises to be an epic semifinal showdown.
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#Australian #Open #mens #semifinal #preview #Novak #Djokovic #Alexander #ZverevNovak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz’s generational tennis rivalry and a Australian Open fever dream
MELBOURNE, Australia — It was supposed to be another classic. The Australian Open men’s singles match everybody had circled. The curtain-raiser for the 2025 tennis season. The latest chapter of the generational duel between the greatest player of this era and the next one.
It ended up being a journey into tennis weirdness, as Novak Djokovic limped one-legged into Carlos Alcaraz’s brain and scrambled it from the inside, making the 21-year-old play through so many versions of himself it was impossible to count them.
This was already a tennis rivalry of the mind. Djokovic and Alcaraz, magnetic showmen and staples of tennis highlight compilations, enter into a state of total focus when they play each other. It’s the only way they can beat each other. The challenge, as mental as it is physical, can send both into paroxysms if they are not careful. Tuesday night into Wednesday morning here on Rod Laver Arena, their bodies and brains alike were sucked into a fever dream.
After eight games of the sort of tennis the world has come to expect from these two stars, Djokovic sprinted to a drop shot and lunged to get the ball back, coming up just short. He squatted for a few extra moments, a tell-tale grimace coming over a face that has been fit for a poker table. He’d done something to his left leg. He went to his bench to towel off, then limped back to the baseline.
Tonight of all nights, his 37-year-old body had let him down again, just as it had at the French Open last year when he was winning on cruise control before he tore the meniscus in his right knee.
Djokovic couldn’t possibly know how that tiny tweak was going to wreak havoc with Alcaraz in a way that nothing else would. Or perhaps he could.
He did know what to do. He’s been here before; right here, on this same court; with muscle tears and strains and the need to find a way out of the mess.
Slow down. Wait for the break. Get some treatment, slug some painkillers and wait for them to work, then start climbing out of the hole. He’d done it, but against the likes of Taylor Fritz and Francisco Cerundolo; good tennis players, but not on the level of Alcaraz.
To do it against him would take something special and strange.
GO DEEPER
Game, Set, Match: Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to reach Australian Open semifinals
Something special and strange like Djokovic switching from a guy who showed up ready to grind all night to someone who was going to play first-strike tennis, sneaking up to the net or just closing his eyes and ripping at the lines; the kind of tennis Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have used to remodel the tennis court the past 12 months, changing the sport so much that players are having to evolve, or even fundamentally change, skills they have honed for years to compete.
Djokovic had spent the first set along for Alcaraz’s offensive ride, playing conservatively as the Spaniard hit all the winners and dictated the match.
In the game where Djokovic injured himself, Alcaraz retreated from his second-serve return position smack on the baseline. He stood back, set up the rally with a deep ball, and then punished his opponent’s frailness. When he got a second-serve look in the second set, he was back on the baseline again, rushing himself into hitting aggressive returns and failing to execute them.
In contrast, Djokovic was alive. As soon as he sniffed a drop in Alcaraz’s intensity, a “hesitation,” as he put it, he pounced. Instead of just surviving through those moments, he thrived, actually winning the set he usually has to forfeit in these situations, drawing even when he should have been falling further behind.
Alcaraz thought he suddenly had to morph, too, from someone who builds his game around gunslinging to someone who had to prioritize moving Djokovic around the court. He couldn’t really do it, not for long stretches anyway — and he knew, on reflection, that he shouldn’t have tried to.
GO DEEPER
Inside Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz’s tennis rivalry of the mind
“It seems like it’s going to be easier, but you are thinking in your mind not to make mistakes,” Alcaraz said after it was over.
“I didn’t push him in the second set,” he also said.
Djokovic could see the cogs whirring.
“I felt he was looking at me more than he was looking at himself. I tried to hold my serve and put pressure on him,” he said in his news conference.
Djokovic even said that this encounter, which lasted three hours and 37 minutes and finished 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, was: “one of the most epic matches I’ve ever played on this court — on any court”.
Novak Djokovic now has a 5-3 record over Carlos Alcaraz. (Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)Except, for all the tactical shifts and physical endurances, the special and the strange, it really wasn’t. It was pretty ugly for long stretches, especially in the third set when Djokovic was doing his best backboard impersonation as his movement returned and Alcaraz was melting into goo. He had no idea which version of Djokovic would be coming at him from one point to the next.
Tennis players don’t do that. They pick a strategy and stick to it until it doesn’t work. When that happens, they switch to something else for a stretch. They don’t change 180 degrees every game, much less every point. Except when they do. Or, rather, except when Djokovic decides that’s the only thing he can do.
Rod Laver Arena too was flat, the crowd squirming around awkwardly, trying to figure out what to cheer for. All that played right into Djokovic’s hands, far more than having them rally to his cause. Best to keep Alcaraz, whose game thrives on vibes and electricity, struggling not to doze off.
Perhaps the strangest moment came with Alcaraz 2-4 and break point down in the fourth set, on the point of no return.
After a 33-shot rally, both players were hunched at the side of the court, the crowd on their feet and Alcaraz laughing, having kept himself in the match. It had the potential to be the defining moment of the contest, the point that turned what had been a disorienting, provisional confusion into the classic match that it had promised to be.
It never happened.
Alcaraz raised his level, but Djokovic stayed calm and held serve twice to win and advance to a semifinal against Alexander Zverev.
Thirty-three shots lost to the strangeness of a night that promised to be special.
(Top photo: Patrick Hamilton / SIPA via Associated Press)
As the Australian Open approaches, tennis fans around the world are buzzing with excitement for what could potentially be the next great rivalry in the sport: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.Djokovic, the current world No. 1 and reigning Australian Open champion, has long been considered one of the greatest players of all time. With 20 Grand Slam titles to his name, the Serbian superstar has dominated the men’s game for over a decade.
On the other hand, Alcaraz, a rising star from Spain, is quickly making a name for himself as the next big thing in tennis. At just 18 years old, he has already shown incredible skill and talent on the court, earning comparisons to the likes of Rafael Nadal and Djokovic himself.
The prospect of these two players facing off in a Grand Slam final is enough to send shivers down the spine of any tennis fan. The clash of styles, the intensity of the competition, and the sheer talent on display would make for a truly epic showdown.
As we eagerly await the start of the Australian Open, the thought of Djokovic and Alcaraz going head to head in a fever dream final is enough to make any tennis enthusiast giddy with excitement. Will Djokovic continue his dominance, or will Alcaraz announce himself as the next great champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the future of tennis is in very good hands.
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