Had Novak Djokovic lost the second set to Carlos Alcaraz, he wasn't sure if he'd continue playing
With his Channel Nine contretemps behind him, the Serbian spoke at length with Jim Courier following his big win. Here's what he had to say.
The last time Novak Djokovic and Jim Courier crossed paths in Rod Laver Arena, the 37-year-old Serbian didn’t say anything. Not because of Courier, but because of comments on Channel Nine, the domestic host broadcaster of the Australian Open which airs Courier’s on-court interviews.
But with apologies issued and the contretemps settled, Djokovic spoke to Courier the next time they met in Melbourne Park—after Novak’s memorable 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
How did Djokovic, who appeared far less than 100 percent physically after the first set—he took a medical timeout—overcome the odds and his accomplished opponent?
“With my two legs and two arms, I guess” he said with to laughs. “One-and-a-half leg.”
Here’s more of what a loquacious Djokovic had to say (watch the full interview above):
I just wish this match today was a final. On the setting, and the challenge Alcaraz presented
One of the most epic matches I’ve played on this court, any court. On the three-hour and 37-minute battle
If I lost that second set, I don’t know if I would continue playing. On his injury, which he didn’t disclose, but which improved after mid-match medication kicked in
I love you, thank you for supporting me, but it’s 1 a.m. When are you going to sleep tonight? To his kids—still in the crowd watching
We have an agreement: as long I play, he’s going to let me win Grand Slam matches. On his upcoming opponent, Alexander Zverev (tongue firmly in cheek)