Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in Australian Open quarterfinals and sets up semifinal against No. 2 Seed Alexander Zverev.
The 10-time champion lost the first set to the third-seeded Spaniard despite a tight left thigh strap, but quickly turned the tables on Tuesday to advance to his 12th Melbourne semi-final.
The 37-year-old won an epic generational clash against a player 16 years his junior as he aims for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
It was a classic performance that lasted 3 hours and 37 minutes, extending his record for most Grand Slam semi-finals to 50, four more than Roger Federer.
To reach the final again, he will need to beat second-seeded Zverev, who for the second consecutive year has a record of 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6 Reach the semi-finals. -1 defeated American 12th seed Tommy Paul.
Djokovic dominated the early going as the wind whipped around, but was immediately broken as Alcaraz struggled to find his range.
But the advantage was short-lived as the Spaniard, ranked third in the world, struck back with a backhand shot from the baseline.
Seventh-seeded Djokovic saved two break points in a mesmerizing ninth game, but he appeared to be backing off, and Alcaraz converted in the third when the veteran's forehand went wide. When he went out, he led 5-4.
After the game, the Serbian called his coach and left the court for a medical timeout, with Alcaraz sealing the victory upon his return.
But Djokovic, whose thigh was tied, did not give up. He led 3-0 in the second set and played more aggressively.
Alcaraz then won three consecutive games and seemed to take control of the game, but Djokovic finally broke serve with a backhand winner to win the set.
The third set went into a heated service game until Djokovic broke three times in a row to lead 5-3 and was able to serve out, blowing kisses to the children in the crowd as the stadium erupted.
Djokovic was full of momentum and broke serve immediately in the fourth set. Both men played some sensational tennis, including a 33-shot standoff, before Alcaraz finally succumbed.
The action continues for Grand Slam No. 25.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/fg73Q5iGTl
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025