Novak Djokovic is 2 wins away from a record 25th major and eleventh Australian Open title, but it surely did not look that approach early in his quarterfinal match towards Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
Just a few video games earlier than dropping the primary set, the Serb needed a medical timeout and it appeared just like the writing was on the wall for the 37-year-old towards an opponent 16 years youthful.
Within the second set, although, Djokovic upped his aggression along with his volleys and drop pictures whereas changing on an uncharacteristic 8-of-13 internet factors. The change of technique caught Alcaraz unexpectedly, forcing the Spaniard to change his sport plan and focus extra on protection. Nonetheless, he appeared to have few solutions for Djokovic, who transformed an unbelievable 15-of-36 of his returns and received 89 p.c of his second-serve factors.
It was the identical story within the third set as Djokovic once more received 5-of-7 internet factors and 15-of-30 returns. The 21-year-old Alcaraz confirmed his inexperience with 11 unforced errors, just a few of which have been so crippling that it value him a break of serve after being up 40-15.
Within the fourth set, Alcaraz regained his mojo with just a few of his trademark inside-out winners. Down 3-4, he had the golden alternative to win again a break when he jumped out to a 40-15 lead. As soon as once more, Djokovic — arguably essentially the most clutch performer in tennis historical past — pulled out all of the stops to carry serve and survive Alcaraz’s onslaught.
Djokovic prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to arrange a semifinal conflict towards World No. 3 Alexander Zverev. The 37-year-old icon will probably be within the last 4 at Melbourne Park for the twelfth time in his illustrious profession. During the last decade, the 10-time winner has by no means reached this deep into the Australian main.
