World number one Novak Djokovic says he is ready for another five-set epic ahead of his 2013 Australian Open semi-final against Spain’s David Ferrer on Thursday.
Djokovic progressed to the last four with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Czech Tomas Berdych, while Ferrer took care of countryman Nicolas Almagro.
The Serbian’s win over Berdych came after his fourth round epic on Sunday against Stanislas Wawrinka which went for more than five hours and he said he was ready for another long battle against Ferrer.
“I have played him a few times in the big rounds,” Djokovic said.
“He is one of the most respected guys on tour and he never gives up. He is physically definitely one of the fittest guys around, so I am expecting a long one.”
Doubts have been cast on Djokovic, due to the length of his matches and his ability to recover, but he remained confident.
“It takes a lot of time (to recover) after a match like that. It was physically so demanding and exhausting,” Djokovic said.
“I just spent the time in my bed and woke up around 2.30pm. It was an easy day, going to the park, watching TV.
“I have done more than a few ice baths since my last match and that is one of the ways to get the circulation through your veins and get your body to recover faster.”