Australian Open Diary: Doctor Djokovic's Diagnosis

© Getty ImagesHenri Leconte requested Dr. Djokovic for treatment.

ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at the news and talking points at the Australian Open on the second Thursday.

The Djoking Doctor
In between winning his semi-final match against David Ferrer and doing his post-match press conference, Novak Djokovic was called back to Rod Laver Arena. The Serbian was requested by Henri Leconte during the Frenchman’s legends’ doubles match for medical attention.

After reviewing the patient, Djokovic revealed Leconte’s condition in his presser.

“The diagnosis we determined with my assistant is that he's definitely crazy. He needs a long term treatment (smiling).”

Video courtesy Tennis Australia. Visit the official tournament website

Federer Reflects On Late Coach
Roger Federer has worked with a number of prolific coaches, but the 31 year old believes he would not be the player he is today without the guidance of Australian Peter Carter, the coach credited with moulding Federer into the person he is today. Carter died in a car accident a week before Federer turned 21.

“Work ethic was very important for Australians, so I think I profited a lot from that and early on for me Peter Carter was a very important man just overall for my character,” Federer told the AAP. “He taught me respect for each person. It doesn't matter if that person is famous or not famous. He just taught me the right values, so did my parents. They got on very well. We were very close to Peter, all of us.

“He helped me out from 10 to 14 and then from 16 to 20 again, so he's marked my character and my playing style, technique and tactics, all that stuff, in a big way.”

Ebden Enthusiasts
Matthew Ebden may have lost in singles, but the home favourite is still alive in mixed doubles, reaching the semi-finals with countrywoman Jarmila Gajdosova. After each victory, Ebden has returned home to find a decked out front door, and has Tweeted his thanks to the unknown super fans.

@mattebden: “more great art work back next to our apartment from the#bestfansever :) Thanks for the support guys http://twitpic.com/bxtzzx”

Double Dutch
Robin Haase and Igor Sijsling have partnered each other before, but mainly at Davis Cup ties and on the ATP Challenger and Futures Tour.

Playing their first Grand Slam event as a team, the Dutchmen are the surprise finalists in the bottom half of the draw. Haase and Sijsling have knocked out three seeded teams en route, including reigning Barclays ATP World Tour Finals champions Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez, the No. 3 seeds, in the semi-finals. The two have just one tour-level title between them.

The Netherlands is no stranger to successful doubles pairings. Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis completed a career Grand Slam together and ascended to World No. 1 in the 1990s.