Novak Djokovic overcomes injury with a determined display
While Alcaraz’s start was littered with unforced errors, there was no absence of class as he eased into the match through delicate dropshots.
Djokovic was visibly frustrated – despite coach Andy Murray’s calm demeanour – and took a medical time out upon being broken to trail 5-4 in the opener. The pause did not faze Alcaraz who resumed by closing out the opening set with a total of 13 winners.
The reset and medication reinvigorated 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who stormed into a 3-0 second set lead. While his physical struggles allowed Alcaraz to briefly draw level, Djokovic regained control and dug deep on his return game to break Alcaraz and level the match.
Delivering a tactically aggressive approach, Djokovic sealed two crucial breaks in the third set: at 3-2 on an unforced error from his opponent, followed by a sumptuous winner for a second break to go up 5-3. Neither man seemed to be able to hold serve, yet there was an abundance of quality on show at Melbourne Park. Djokovic held his nerve and claimed his 300th set at the Australian Open by winning a stunning 16-shot rally.
Though the odds were heavily in Djokovic’s favour by the fourth set, 21-year-old Alcaraz was never going to stop fighting. The Spaniard saved himself on some superb rallies, but Djokovic did not loosen his grip and clinched the set 6-4 to record another famous victory in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic has secured $1.1 million USD by reaching the semi-final.
For Alcaraz, it is consecutive quarter-final exits in Melbourne. His chances of completing the Career Grand Slam are over for a year at least, where if he wins the Australian Open by 2027, will become the youngest man to complete the accolade.
