 "Novak Djokovic appeared to have problems in his upper left leg during his Australian Open quarter-final battle against Carlos Alcaraz. AP")
Novak Djokovic overcame injury to produce the comeback of a lifetime during his blockbuster quarter-final meeting with Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open on Tuesday, keeping his hopes of a historic 25th Grand Slam victory alive in the process. The 10-time Australian Open champion, whose campaign at Melbourne Park this year has been marred by a feud with broadcasters Channel Nine, ended up stunning the Spaniard 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 despite conceding the first set and picking up an injury shortly after.
Djokovic, eyeing a record-extending 11th Australian Open men’s singles title, was seen limping around the Rod Laver Arena at the end of the first set, the problem appearing to be on his upper left leg. As a result, the Serbian superstar had to leave the court with his physio on a medical timeout.
The 37-year-old had his upper thigh strapped up when he returned, and was a different beast in the remainder of the match as he went on to seal his 50th appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final – his 12th at the Melbourne Park.
Not everyone, however, was convinced by Djokovic’s on-court injury during the intense battle that lasted three-and-a-half hours. American tennis legend John McEnroe, commentating for Channel Nine, had his doubts with regards to Djokovic’s injury
“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled,” the seven-time Major winner, said.
His brother Patrick later asked him, “Did you see this coming?” when Djokovic went level with Alcaraz, to which John replied, “Yes”.
Djokovic, who had earlier boycotted his on-court interview in protest against “insulting” comments made by a veteran Channel Nine presenter against him and Serbian fans, faces Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Friday. And for now, he’s focused on his recovery in the next couple of days.
“I’ll take it day by day. Now it’s really about recovery.
“I’m concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be,” Djokovic said after beating Alcaraz.
World No 2 Zverev defeated USA’s Tommy Paul 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-0), 2-6, 6-1, in the other quarter-final on Tuesday. Defending champion Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, faces local favourite Alex de Minaur on Wednesday while his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego faces American Ben Shelton.