 "Djokovic’s passion, remarkable returning and stunning groundstrokes propel him past Alcaraz and into Aus Open semis")
Novak Djokovic is not ready to see his campaign for a record 25th Grand Slam title die at the Australian Open 2025. On Tuesday, the 37-year-old tennis great defied multiple odds including a left leg issue, an early deficit, a determined challenge of Carlos Alcaraz — vying for his own slice of history — to win the quarter-finals.
In a thrilling contest that showcased the clash between two stars separated by 16 years and at opposite stages of their careers, Djokovic triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. With the victory, he secured his 12th semi-final appearance at Melbourne Park, adding another chapter to his storied legacy on Tuesday night.
Djokovic is ‘built different’
The action was non-stop, the shot-making brilliant, even as the match stretched on for more than 3 1/2 hours and nearly to 1 am — never more so, perhaps, than when Alcaraz saved a break point that would have put Djokovic ahead 5-2 in the fourth set, allowing him to serve for the win. The 33-stroke exchange was the longest of the evening, and when it ended with Djokovic sailing a forehand long, the capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena went wild. Djokovic reached for his bothersome leg and yelled toward his entourage; Alcaraz, his chest heaving, leaned on a towel box and grinned.
He's built different. 😤
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
Novak Djokovic prevails in a thrilling four-set quarterfinal encounter against Carlos Alcaraz! 👏@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/zRtEHAbJlA
Turned out that only delayed the final result.
Djokovic prevails with remarkable returning
With his wife, son and daughter cheering in the stands, the No. 7-seeded Djokovic prevailed thanks to the sort of remarkable returning and no-mistakes-made groundstrokes against Alcaraz that now-retired rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dealt with for years.
Djokovic enjoyed some of his own best efforts in the latter stages, pointing to his ear or blowing kisses or spreading his arms while puffing out his chest. There was the forehand winner on a 22-stroke point that earned the break for a 5-3 lead in the third set. There was that set’s last point, which included a back-to-the-net sprint to chase down a lob. Alcaraz wasn’t shy, either, shouting “Vamos!” and pumping his fists after one particularly booming forehand in the fourth set.
On Friday, Djokovic’s 50th major semi-final will come against No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev, a two-time runner-up at majors who beat No. 12 Tommy Paul 7-6 (1), 7-6 (0), 2-6, 6-1.
The other men’s quarter-finals are Wednesday: No. 1 Jannik Sinner vs. No. 8 Alex de Minaur, and No. 21 Ben Shelton against unseeded Lorenzo Sonego.
With agency inputs
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