Novak Djokovic addresses injury scare as he reacts to Carlos Alcaraz win

Novak Djokovic has described his incredible four-set triumph over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Australian Open as “one of the most epic matches” he has ever played.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion delivered a ball-striking masterclass to defeat his 21-year-old Spanish rival 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.

The 37-year-old Serbian has improved his head-to-head record against Alcaraz, a four-time major winner, to 5-3.

After suffering a leg injury, Djokovic had strapping applied on his upper left thigh during a medical timeout he took at 5-4 down in the first set.

In his on-court interview, Djokovic was asked by two-time Australian Open winner Jim Courier asked how he had managed to prevail.

“Well, with my two legs and two arms I guess. Well, one and a half leg (laughs),” the world No 7 said.

“First I want to say my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos and everything he stands for and what he has achieved so far in his young career. What a terrific guy he is and even better competitor.

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“I just wish that this match today was the finals, honestly. One of the most epic matches that I’ve played on this court, on any court really. Thank you all for staying at 1am to watch us and support.”

On the injury, Djokovic said: “Well, since I’m still in the tournament I don’t want to reveal too much obviously.

“Yeah, the medication started to kick in and they helped, no doubt. I had to take another dose, I mean this sounds awful (laughs), me taking another dose, but I had to.

“I didn’t know, to be honest, if I lost that second set, I don’t know if I would continue playing, but I felt better and better. Managed to play a great couple of games to end up the second set.

“And then I saw that Carlos was hesitant a little bit from back of the court and I took my chances, started to feel better, started to move better. It didn’t create any hinderance towards the end of the match, only in that second set.

“Obviously when the medications start to release, I’ll see what the reality is tomorrow morning. But yeah, right now I will just try to be in the moment and enjoy this victory.”

Djokovic will face world No 2 Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals on Friday.

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