Off court: Son shine for Novak Djokovic

On-court interviewer Jim Courier asked the No. 1-ranked player about his No. 1 fan after the match, directing his attention to the big screens overhead at Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic looked up to see the picture of his son, and smiled. “See how he enjoys watching TV? He’s daddy’s boy definitely,’’ said Djokovic after beating the big-serving Milos Raonic 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2, to advance to his 25th Grand Slam semifinal. “I didn’t know he was watching me this way, but I felt his energy. So that helped me tonight, definitely.”

Madison’s shopping list: Just one handbag
Now that Madison Keys has advanced to her first Grand Slam semifinal, the big question is what to do with her prize money. The question came up first when the 19-year-old had reached the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier in the week. “I’m thinking I’m going to buy a new handbag,’’ said Keys, who had previously never gone beyond the third round of a major. “I told myself if I make second week, I’ll go out and buy a Louis Vuitton bag.” The rest, she said, will go into her bank account. “I’m pretty good with my money,’’ said Keys, who is listed by the WTA as having earned $630,000 in prize money. That changed Wednesday, when she reached the semifinals by beating her childhood idol Venus Williams 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, meaning she’ll collect a check of 650,000 Australian dollars, or $510,000. Does the win mean she’ll upgrade to a pricier purchase? “I’m just going to stick with the handbag for now,’’ said Keys. On second thought, “Maybe when I’m out shopping for that handbag, maybe I’ll see something else.” Perhaps a new house? _ asked the on-court presenter after her match. “Let’s not go that far,” said Keys. “I don’t think I need to buy a house right now.”

Federer still in the mix, courtesy a fan
While the capacity crowd was filling Rod Laver Arena for the start of Wednesday’s play at the Australian Open, someone was remembering a four-time champion who won’t make it five titles – at least this year. “We miss you Roger,” said the sign held up by a young woman who frowned when she realized the television cameras were on her. That could only be Roger Federer, who lost in the third round here to Andreas Seppi in a big upset last Friday. Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam singles champion, hadn’t packed his bags to leave Melbourne Park that early since 2001. But five days later, someone was still thinking of him.