Fresh or undercooked? Djokovic unsure where fortune leaves him

Novak Djokovic has only played 11 sets on his way to the Australian Open semi-finals, largely thanks to some good fortune. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Novak Djokovic has only played 11 sets at this year's Australian Open and spent little over nine hours on courtByJonathan JurejkoBBC Sport tennis news reporter in MelbournePublished6 hours agoNovak Djokovic is planning to double his thanks tonight.Partly in gratitude for what has happened so far at the Australian Open.

Partly in hope for what lies ahead as he chases a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.Djokovic could not hide his relief when Italian fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who led their quarter-final by two sets to love, had to quit with injury.It was more fortune for the 10-time Melbourne champion, having already received a fourth-round walkover when Czech opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew with an abdominal issue.Feeling fresh is a positive for the 38-year-old Serb going into Friday's semi-final against Jannik Sinner.But equally, being undercooked against the 24-year-old Italian, who is bidding for a third straight title, is a worry.Djokovic has played just two sets since his third-round win on 24 January - and he lost both of those."I have no idea at this stage of my career what serves me [well] and what doesn't," fourth seed Djokovic said.Djokovic scrapes into semis after Musetti injuryPublished5 hours agoAre we tennis players or zoo animals?

For more details, check out The Wolves Hold Moment of Silence for Renee Good: A Deep Dive Into the Sports Community’s Response.

Related reading: Jobs Can Be Saved in Sydney Ashes Test - The McGrath Connection: A Sports Guide You Need to Know.

You might also like: 3 AEW Stars Who Look Set to Leave the Company in 2026: A Sports Fan’s Guide to What’s Next.

- Swiatek on camerasPublished8 hours agoDjokovic says he largely feels fine physically, with a blister on his foot his biggest concern.It is a marked difference to some of his previous Australian Open campaigns.Last year, he quit in the semi-finals because of a hamstring tear sustained in a super-human effort to beat Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round.In 2023, he won the title despite playing with a three centimetre tear in his hamstring. Djokovic Fortune

Two years earlier, he also triumphed despite tearing an abdominal muscle in the third round.Djokovic cannot afford any physical issues if he is going to beat Sinner and then potentially 22-year-old Alcaraz in Sunday's final."You always have some