Novak Djokovic delivered a masterclass of resilience and precision, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to advance to his record-extending 50th Grand Slam semifinal. The Serbian, a 10-time Australian Open champion, reaffirmed his dominance in Melbourne in a grueling three-hour, 37-minute encounter that showcased the best of modern tennis.
The match began with Djokovic appearing vulnerable. A medical timeout at 4-5 in the opening set, during which his left leg was heavily taped, left fans questioning whether he could mount a serious challenge.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, 21, looked sharp and used his signature drop shots to capitalize on the windy conditions, clinching the first set and gaining an early foothold in the match.
But Djokovic, guided by his trademark mental toughness, roared back in the second set. “The medication started to kick in, and it helped no doubt,” Djokovic admitted post-match. With pinpoint aggression, he raced to a 3-0 lead, minimizing rally lengths and targeting Alcaraz’s baseline hesitance to level the match.
As the momentum shifted, the 37-year-old veteran seized control. Djokovic’s depth and precision pinned Alcaraz behind the baseline, limiting the Spaniard’s creativity. The third set, highlighted by a lung-busting rally on set point, saw Djokovic’s intensity reach new heights as he outmaneuvered his younger rival.
“I want to say my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos,” Djokovic said. “This match felt like a final.”
Now leading their head-to-head 5-3, Djokovic faces Alexander Zverev next as he chases his 11th Australian Open crown.
