Australian Open: Timeless Novak Djokovic downs Carlos Alcaraz!

Four months before turning 38, Novak Djokovic is still a player to beat! The ten-time Australian Open winner stopped the clock at Melbourne Park and ousted world no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 for a place in the semi-final. 

Thus, the legend reached his 50th Major semi-final and arranged the clash against world no. 2 Alexander Zverev. Novak struggled physically in the first part of the duel and required a medical timeout after the ninth game of the opening set. 

Djokovic lost it but started his comeback in the second, producing an incredible shot-making and toppling the 21-year-old in style! It was their fourth Major duel, with the Serb celebrating the second victory after Roland Garros 2023.

The veteran grabbed a break in the second game of the duel for an early lead. The young gun pulled it back in game three after an extended rally and a backhand down the line winner. They served well in the next five games and locked the result at 4-4.

Struggling physically, Djokovic wasted a game point in game nine and sprayed a forehand error on the third break point to fall 5-4 behind. The veteran left the court for a medical timeout. Alcaraz kept his composure and served well when the match continued. 

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Spaniard held at love at 5-4 and landed an ace at 40-0, holding at love and wrapping up the opener 6-4 in 54 minutes. Novak recovered and kicked off the second set with a break, moving 3-0 up and turning the tables.

Carlos kept fighting and pulled the break back in game five after Novak’s volley error. The young gun saved two break points in the sixth game and produced a fine hold two games later for 4-4. Djokovic delivered a comfortable hold in game nine and made a push in the next one. 

The veteran landed a forehand winner for 30-0 and earned three set points with a deep return. Novak converted the first with a backhand down the line return winner, taking the set 6-4 and leveling the overall score after an hour and 45 minutes. 

Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2025

Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Spaniard struggled on serve in the third set, losing his vibes and spraying too many errors. He denied break points in games two and four to stay on the positive side. Djokovic made another push at 3-2, welcoming Alcaraz’s backhand and securing a break that sent him 4-2 up. 

World no. 3 pulled the break back in game seven after drawing the rival’s error, extending his chances. However, it did not give him a boost he required! Carlos struggled on serve again in the eighth game and experienced a break at love after Novak’s forehand winner. 

Djokovic climbed back from 0-30 in the ninth game and passed Alcaraz at the net with a cracking backhand crosscourt attack. Thus, the legend closed the set 6-3 and moved two sets to one in front after two hours and 34 minutes. 

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Serb used this boost and grabbed a break in the first game of the fourth set. The ten-time champion saved a break point in the fourth game and survived deuces two games later for a 4-2 lead. Carlos saved a break point in game seven to remain in touch.

The young gun generated two break chances in game eight, seeking a late break and more drama. However, Novak denied them and provided a crucial hold that sent him 5-3 up. The 24-time Major winner served for the win at 5-4. 

He held at 30 after Alcaraz’s mistake, moving into his 50th Major semi-final.

​Tennis World USA


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