Reached his 12th Australian Open semi-final in style! Novak Djokovic is now trailing only behind the Swiss Maestro Roger Federer (15) in terms of making the most AO semifinals. But, who should get the credit for this turnaround after Novak’s modest 2024 season? According to Andy Roddick, it’s Djokovic’s new coach and former rival Andy Murray, whom he teamed up with last November.

Novak Djokovic took on Carlos Alcaraz at the famous Rod Laver Arena in yesterday’s evening match. And the result? Well, despite the first set deficit of 4-6, the Serbian countered the force of Alcaraz, bouncing back in the second set and clinching it 6-4. And, from there, there was no looking back for Novak! The 37-year-old clinched the third and the fourth set 6-3, 6-4 as well and cruised into the semis despite struggling with his knee.

Right after the match, Andy Roddick hailed the impact of Murray on Djokovic. Talking about the Brit’s importance in Novak’s team in the recent episode of ‘Served with Andy Roddick’ podcast, the 2003 US Open champion said, “Listen, there are five people on earth who Novak can respect their opinion. One of them sits next to him now. Next to that court. I don’t know how much of an impact that it made. I said before the tournament started that if Novak goes well Andy’s gonna get too much credit, if he goes badly, he’s gonna get too much blame. Believe it or not, Novak has always known how to play tennis.” 

Continuing further, Roddick added, “But, these are the types of matches where you want someone to look at who understands exactly what you are going through. I don’t think there’s any downside with this matchup. They know each other, they respect each other, and finally, they are gonna get honest with each other, as far as what their feelings are. Novak looks great, moving on!”

Novak’s 2024 season was not up to the standard he has set for himself. Although he won the Olympic Gold Medal, the Serbian failed to add any Grand Slam title to his name, starting with AO where he was beaten by current No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the SF. Following that, he withdrew from the Roland Garros QF against Casper Ruud because of a knee injury before getting beaten in the final of Wimbledon by Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.

And, what came next in the US Open was worse! He was beaten by 25-year-old Aussie Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the tournament 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. He even shed light on his last year’s performance without mincing words.

“Well, I mean, compared to most of my seasons throughout my career, this has been one of the worst-performing seasons in terms of results. But, you know, it was going to come at some point where, you know, I wouldn’t win slams and maintain that highest level for so many years in a row. And that’s okay,” the Serb remarked.

As things are shaped right now, the former World No. 1 has successfully reached his 50th career Grand Slam semi-final where he will now face a familiar face, the second seed Alexander Zverev, who is also eyeing his first Grand Slam and is in tremendous form.

Australian Open 2025: a semi-final for ages as Novak set another generational clash against Sascha

From Masters 1000 Rome in 2017 to ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati 2023, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev have faced each other 12 times till now. However, who’s got the upper hand, you think? Well, of course, the Serbian with 8-4. They met once on the hard court of AO, in the 2021 quarter-finals, where Novak defeated the German in four sets. However, this time around, it will be tough for Djokovic, considering the form Sascha is in!

Zverev, the current No. 2 has played some scintillating tennis in this Australian Open. He has won his first, second, and third-round matches without losing a set before beating the 14th seed Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the fourth round 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 6-2. Exciting, right? He even beat 12th seed American Tommy Paul in yesterday’s QF match emphatically, booking his place in the Semis, right before Novak’s match.

Djokovic himself anticipates a tough match against Zverev, as his comments in his post-match press conference, after the quarterfinals, suggested. “I mean definitely it’s going to be challenging from every aspect. I mean I’m playing Zverev who is in great form and he’s going for his first Grand Slam and he’s been close and I mean I’ve seen him play and practice with him as well here. I mean he loves the conditions he’s got a big serve and it’s just super dangerous opponent this surface against anyone,” Novak said.

With an eye on his 100th career singles title and with Andy by his side, can Novak put on another stunning performance in the semis? Who are you supporting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.