Novak Djokovic triumphed in a generational showdown against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday at the Australian Open, a match he believed could have been a final, as he moved closer to achieving a record 25th Grand Slam title, with Alexander Zverev awaiting him next in the semi-finals.
The 37-year-old Serbian outlasted the 21-year-old Spaniard 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, despite having significant strapping on his left thigh. This classic performance lasted 3 hours and 37 minutes and marked his 12th appearance in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park, only behind Roger Federer, who has made 15 appearances.
With this victory, Djokovic also set a record of 50 Grand Slam semi-final appearances, leading four ahead of the legendary Swiss player.
To advance to another final, he must overcome the second seed, Zverev, who reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive year by defeating American 12th seed Tommy Paul 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6-1.
“I just wish today’s match had been the final,” remarked Djokovic, a ten-time champion in Melbourne.
“It was simply one of the most extraordinary matches I’ve played on this court and any court, really.”
As the wind blew through, Djokovic began the match with a stronghold and broke immediately as Alcaraz, at just 21, struggled to find his rhythm. However, his lead was short-lived as the world number three fired a backhand down the line and broke back instantly.
The seventh seed saved two break points in an exciting ninth game but seemed uncomfortable, ultimately allowing Alcaraz to convert on the third break point and take a 5-4 lead when Djokovic errantly sent a forehand wide.
The Serb then called for the trainer and exited the court for a medical timeout, after which Alcaraz closed the set to love.
Yet Djokovic, now with his thigh wrapped up, was not finished and broke early to lead 3-0 in the second set by playing more assertively. Alcaraz responded by winning three consecutive games, appearing to take control, but Djokovic executed a surprise break to level the match with a backhand winner.
The third set remained on serve until Djokovic secured three consecutive breaks, putting him ahead 5-3, allowing him to serve for the set, and blowing kisses to his children in the stands.
Djokovic captured the momentum and broke immediately in the fourth set. Both players delivered remarkable tennis, highlighted by a 33-shot rally before Alcaraz ultimately succumbed.
