Novak Djokovic has qualified for his 11th Australian Open semifinal, but his former coach and three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker revealed that he had concerns about the 36-year-old during his match against Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic had a clean sheet against the American with a 8-0 record in their head-to-head series but despite that it proved to be a more challenging encounter for the World No. 1 who eventually registered a 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win against Fritz in 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The first game alone was stretched to 16 minutes and the first set went to 84 minutes as the duo fought hard in the Melbourne heat on Rod Laver Arena. Fritz looking to reach his maiden slam final in the third attempt came up with an impressive display as he saved all 15 break points he faced in the opening two frames to even the contest.
The World No. 12 could only win the third set of his career against the defending Australian Open champion with the other two coming in the R3 match at the Melbourne Park back in 2021 where Djokovic remained the victor despite carrying an abdominal injury.
However, in their semifinal clash, Djokovic began to tighten the screw in the third frame as Fritz started to hurt his left foot and gave away successive breaks to the World No. 1 in fourth set and also giving away the semifinal spot. Djokovic reached the 48th Grand Slam semifinal of his career after four good sets of tennis.
As predicted by most experts, Djokovic steered the match in the way it wanted but 6-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker admitted he during the match had concerns about Djokovic losing his way after consuming opening two sets.
“After the second set, I was worried about my dear Novak for the first time – physically as well, because he was breathing a lot,” former World No. 1 Becker told Eurosport.
“In the ten minutes that Fritz was in the dressing room, Novak recovered. When he got the first break in the third set, I was sure that he would win the match.
“That was hard work. The first set lasted over 90 minutes.”
Djokovic also shared his thoughts while taking to Eurosport, as he revealed the key to his triumph a mix of physical and technical labor.
“It was one of the longest games I’ve ever played in extremely hot conditions, the hottest of the year no doubt,” said the defending champion.
“Taylor came out with a. clear game plan and with the right sharpness, he was pressing me from the baseline, playing very aggressively and making me run. I was on the back foot a lot.
“When you serve as well as he does, it’s difficult. The first couple of sets were a real struggle, physically, mentally, emotionally. In the third, I was able to start very well and the sun came down and cooled the temperature. I felt, much better in the third and in particular, the fourth.
“I took his legs for sure, it was a lot of running. My conversion on break points today was really poor but also due to his high level. You just have to say congrats and move on in these moments.
“I had my composure and served very well which helped me. Let’s be humble, the confidence is there but matches are only going to get tougher.”
Djokovic also talked about him cherishing the on-court chatter with Nick Kyrgios, who he beat in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
“I guess it was his first one on the court, but he’s doing great, he’s doing really well,” added Djokovic.
“I think he is so refreshing for our sport. Both with a racquet and in the commentary box. That doesn’t mean I don’t love you (Barbara Schett), Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Mats (Wilander), they’re all doing a great job. But it’s great to see Nick.
“He has been a controversial character over the years but I like the way he speaks his mind and he is fun to watch and I had a blast with him on the court.”