Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Another titanic clash between the two lasted three hours and 35 minutes.
The 10-time champion in Melbourne fell behind in the sets, despite starting strongly and breaking Alcaraz in his first service game. The Spaniard recovered immediately and after a rebreak first reduced his deficit, then made another break, which turned out to be decisive for the fate of the opening set. Djokovic was experiencing physical problems, as his thigh was bandaged, but despite this, his start to the second set was also supported by a break. Alcaraz returned it, but unlike the first set, this time the Joker made another break to draw 1-1. Nole was the first to break in the third set, but his opponent returned it before the Serb broke again and this time there was no turning back for Alcaraz. The Spaniard's nervousness increased and the 37-year-old Djokovic's breaks continued in the fourth set. After several gladiatorial games, the Joker eventually broke Alcaraz's resistance for a fifth victory in eight matches against him. It was against Alcaraz that Djokovic won the Olympic title in Paris last summer.
The Serbian tennis player made fewer winners than his opponent - 31 to 50, but also fewer unforced errors - 27 to 40. This will be Novak's 12th semi-final in Melbourne, and so far he has lost only once in his previous 11 appearances at this stage - last year to future champion Jannik Sinner. In addition, Djokovic is now the first player since the Open Era started back in 1968 with 50 or more Grand Slam semi-finals. Alcaraz, for his part, is eliminated in the quarter-finals in Australia for the second year in a row.
Djokovic faces a semifinal against second-seeded Alexander Zverev. The German earlier today defeated Tommy Paul in four sets in a tough match.
In the top half of the draw, world number 1 Sinner faces home favourite Alex de Minaur in one quarterfinal, while Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Sonego will play in the other. | BGNES
