Novak Djokovic says the pain, both physical and emotional, is too raw to make a decision about his future with Andy Murray as his coach, but suggested he would be keen to continue the partnership.
The 37-year-old went straight for a hug with Murray after his incredible victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. But that was achieved despite a muscle tear and he was forced to retire after losing the first set of his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
When asked when he and Murray go from here, Djokovic replied: ‘We were both disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about future steps. We are so fresh off the field.
‘I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me, giving him my feedback which of course is positive, and see how he feels and we take the next step.
‘We’re still lost and disappointed, so it’s hard to turn the page and start talking about what the next steps are. I think we both need to freshen up a bit and then we’ll talk.
While a clearly devastated Djokovic admitted it was too early for him to say how long it will take him to recover, he remained hopeful of returning to the tournament he has won a record 10 times.
Is this sad sight the last Australian Open fans will see of Novak Djokovic? The Serbian icon was noncommittal about his future in the game following his crash on Friday, but struck a hopeful note about the return

Adding insult to injury, sections of the crowd booed the 37-year-old as he left the court

Djokovic said he will discuss his future with coach Andy Murray (pictured watching the semi-final) once they have both become a little less “heavy”
‘I don’t know. There is a chance (I won’t come back),’ he said.
‘Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes.
‘I want to move forward, but whether or not I’ll have a revised schedule for next year, I’m not sure.
Normally I like to come to Australia to play. I have had the most success in my career here.
“So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come.”
Speaking after Alcaraz’s victory about his embrace with Murray, Djokovic had said: ‘I feel more and more connected to Andy every day. We face challenges every day. People don’t see it obviously.
‘We try to make the most of every day and grow together. He has been as committed to my career and this tournament as can be.
‘So it was a gesture of appreciation, respect for him and the fact that he is out there and he doesn’t need to be. He agreed to work with me. He is giving me all his support, the entire team and trying to make it work.

In the photo: At the moment the 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the referee’s chair to retire from the match

A clearly devastated Djokovic had no idea how long it will take him to recover from the injury, or if he will have to operate under a ‘revised schedule’ for the rest of the year.
‘This was a big win for all of us, including Andy and I, you know, for the relationship. Yeah, that’s why I went to him, because I felt so grateful that he was there.’
Zverev, who plays Ben Shelton or Jannik Sinner for the title on Sunday, defended his opponent after he was booed by sections of the crowd at Rod Laver Arena.
“Please, guys, don’t boo a player when he comes out with an injury,” Zverev said in an on-court interview.
‘I know everyone paid for the tickets and everyone wants to see a big match with five sets and everything.
“But you have to understand, Novak Djokovic is someone who has given this sport for the last 20 years absolutely everything of his life.”
The German star was joined in his criticism by former Australian player John Millman and tennis legend John McEnroe, who were on commentary for host Channel Nine.
‘I just think it’s a bit rowdy, some of the behavior (crowd) has crossed the line, and that (the reaction to Djokovic’s withdrawal) takes the cake for me… I don’t care how much you spent on your ticket, it has some respect,’ Millman said.
‘They (the crowd) can’t boo him, for God’s sake. He’s won this 10 times. Unreal,’ McEnroe said.
‘We all wondered how he was going to hold up after the match with Carlos Alcaraz.
‘But he was managing things. Clearly, things were tight, with Zverev getting on the nerves. It was a closely contested team.
‘I missed the volley and I thought I wouldn’t miss it.
‘And the next thing you know, the only happy guy in the stadium was Zverev. When he put his hands…the look in his eyes was like “What?” We were all like, “Oh my God.”
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