MELBOURNE, Jan 22, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Novak Djokovic feels as mentally and 
emotionally motivated as he's ever been, but the Serbian great admits to be 
being worried about his creaking body ahead of an Australian Open semi-final 
with "super dangerous" Alexander Zverev.

The irrepressible 37-year-old put to bed any doubts about his ability to add 
to his 24 Grand Slam titles with a scintillating four-set takedown of Carlos 
Alcaraz in the Melbourne last eight on Tuesday.

But while the 10-time Australian champion was able to pull out every trick in 
the book to get past a man 16 years his junior, it took its toll.

He had to leave court for a medical timeout at 4-5 in the first set, 
returning with his upper left leg taped and on painkillers to battle through.

Asked whether it was a hamstring or groin problem, he did not want to 
elaborate, but said: "It's very similar to what I had few years ago, 2023, to 
be exact."

Djokovic famously won the 2023 Australian Open while managing an injury in 
the same area.

"I'll take it day by day. Now it's really about recovery," he added.

"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."

Zverev is into the semi-finals for a second straight year and is laser 
focused on finally winning a maiden Slam title after a decade of trying.

Last year at the same stage he crashed to Daniil Medvedev in five sets after 
holding a 2-0 lead and is understandably wary of Djokovic, even if he is 
carrying an injury.

"I'm going to prepare myself for a tough battle," he said. "I'm going to 
prepare myself for a very intense and high-level match."

Djokovic is equally cautious about the German, who is at a career-high world 
number two.

"I mean, I'm playing Zverev, who is in a great form, and he is going for his 
first Grand Slam. He's been close. I mean, I've seen him play. I practised 
with him as well here," he said.

"I think he loves the conditions. He's got big serve. He's super dangerous 
opponent on this surface against anyone."

- Grateful to Murray -

Djokovic holds an 8-4 record over the 27-year-old and will be looking to new 
coach Andy Murray, who himself won three of his four meetings with Zverev, to 
establish a game plan.

The Scot has been a calm and collected presence in Djokovic's courtside box 
during the tournament after the former rivals unexpectedly joined forces late 
last year.

The Serbian, who is into a record 50th Grand Slam semi-final, headed straight 
over to embrace him after beating Alcaraz.

"I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges every 
single day. People don't see that obviously," said Djokovic.

"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 (against Alcaraz) was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and 
myself, you know, for the relationship. That's why I went to him, because I 
just felt very grateful that he's there."