The quarterfinal fixtures are halfway done at this year’s Australian Open. The men’s draw has seen the top seeds advance to the semifinals. The first quarterfinal match saw Novak Djokovic play against Taylor Fritz. Djokovic struggled during the match as the rallies were short but intense. He was seen showing his frustration to his team during the match.
Djokovic, during a changeover, was trying to talk to his team. He was seen waving his hands and trying to ask them something. But his team was not looking at him; the world No.1 even started shouting at them. When they finally saw Djokovic, he angrily told them to keep their eyes on him. “Where’s my magic potion dammit!,” commented a fan after watching the video of the changeover.
Novak Djokovic is upset with his team at the changeover.
He was having a hard time getting their attention.
Patrick McEnroe commentating: “You had one job!” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2024
Novak Djokovic is upset with his team at the changeover.
He was having a hard time getting their attention.
Patrick McEnroe commentating: “You had one job!” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2024
Another fan commented about Fritz giving him a hard time on the court. The fan commented, “Novak to his team: “Where’s my magic potion?” “He’s kicking my a$$.” Djokovic recorded his ninth consecutive victory over Fritz in three hours and 45 minutes.
Djokovic has stretched his winning streak to 33 matches at the Australian Open. He will next face Jannik Sinner in the semifinal on January 26. Djokovic will need more of the magic potion from his team when he faces Sinner next. The 10-time Australian Open champion looked calm and happy during his on-court interview with Nick Kyrgios.
Novak Djokovic tells about his secret tree to Nick Kyrgios
The quarterfinal match between Djokovic and Fritz saw a unique event being recorded after the match. It was the first time an active player interviewed a fellow player on the court. Kyrgios has been in the commentary box in the matches at the 2024 Australian Open. He has been closely following Djokovic in Melbourne and even revealed to the fans how close they were off the court.
The Australian congratulated Djokovic on his victory and spoke about being driven on the court. The Serbian playfully took the mic from Kyrgios and told him it was good to see him on the court. He hoped Kyrgios would return to the tour soon and made the crowd cheer for Kyrgios. Djokovic admired Fritz’s serve in the match as the American saved 17 breakpoints out of 21.
Kyrgios asked Djokovic about his secret tree to which the Djoker replied, “I will show you the tree. But you can’t tell anyone. It is a big secret. So what you’ve got to do is take off your shoes, climb the tree (to) the highest point and hang upside-down on one of the highest branches for 33 minutes and three seconds … And you’re going to win a slam.”
Kyrgios also asked Djokovic about facing Andrey Rublev or Sinner in the semifinals, as their match was up next. Djokovic spoke about both players being on form and how hard they hit the ball on the court. As the interview ended, both players hugged each other as Djokovic went on to pack his bags. Kyrgios will be expected to keep the fans and players entertained in the semifinals.