Djokovic Denies Any Physical Problems

Written by: Staff on 26th January 2012

Novak Djokovic maintained a clean bill of health for the upcoming Australian Open semi-final with Andy Murray after appearing to suffer a pulled hamstring and struggling to breathe properly.

Djokovic, still sufficiently healthy to overcome world no.5 David Ferrer in straight sets, looked forward to a re-run of last year’s final when he obliterated Murray and said: “I don’t have any physical issues. “I hope that I can step out on the court trying to repeat the same thing I did last year.

“I feel very fit and mentally very fresh. I found it very difficult after a long time to breathe because I felt the whole day my nose was closed a little bit. However I’m not concerned at all. I’m really fit and I have no concerns of recovering for the next match. It’s just a matter of breathing better through the nose.”

Djokovic admitted he was as fascinated as everyone else by Murray’s link up with Ivan Lendl and believes it will help the player who has been his rival since the age of 12. Certainly a title at Brisbane and progression through to the last four in Melbourne proves the merits.

Nevertheless the ultimate battle will be between the two players. Speaking of Murray, Djokovic said: “I think Andy is very motivated to win his first Grand Slam. He’s been playing last two years finals here. He’s been proving to himself and to the rest of the people that the Australian Open is probably his best Grand Slam.

“On the other hand I have been playing quite well here in last couple years so we have to expect a great match. A tournament cannot ask for better matchups in semifinals.”

Murray meantime is looking to add some of Lendl’s fierce competitive instincts to his game style and warned Djokovic things could get rough. “Ivan was brutal, there was nothing he liked more than lining up opponents at the net and thumping the ball at them,” said Murray.

“I’ve seen loads of YouTube clips of Lendl and my favorite is when he unloads straight at Emilio Sanchez, who I know really well. The funny thing? He just started laughing while Emilio was writhing on the ground in pain. The reason I employed him was to give me a bit of extra edge, a bit more experience.”