Australian Open 2012 Results: Novak Djokovic Looks Weak Heading into Semifinals

Novak Djokovic just limped into the semifinals of the 2012 Australian Open, both literally and figuratively.

He knocked out the fifth-seeded David Ferrer in three straight sets, but none of them came easy.

The 29-year-old Spaniard gave the world No. 1 fits with his incredible foot speed and his knack for returning any ball in his vicinity. He pushed Djokovic to the brink, but still went down 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-1.

However, the Serb was hindered by a number of ailments throughout the match.

According to Courtney Walsh at The Australian, Djokovic was repeatedly grasping for his stomach and was clearly bothered by something going on in that area during the first set.

In the second, his hip and then hamstring were the two spots he kept reaching for. Obviously in pain, he was breathing heavily throughout the match.

Djokovic now has a looming rematch with Andy Murray, whom he knocked out in the final of last year’s Australian Open.

Murray strongly made his way to this matchup, soundly knocking out Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 and left no doubt that he is going to provide a strong challenge for the reigning champion.

Djokovic even admitted as much, according to Walsh.

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"I am going to try to repeat the same game as last year (but) I am going to need more than that," he said.

"He is playing great. He is in great shape. You can feel he is physically fit, that he is is eager to win a grand slam. It is the top four players in the last four of a grand slam. It is great."

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Murray has yet to win a Grand Slam and this might be his best opportunity, especially if Djokovic isn’t fully healed by the time they match up.