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Novak Djokovic is closing in on a record-breaking 25th grand slam title after stunning his gen Z rival, Carlos Alcaraz, in a quarter-final classic at the Australian Open.
The legendary Serbian, 16 years Alcaraz’s senior, recovered from a set down to triumph 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 in an epic three-hour and 37-minute showdown on Rod Laver Arena.
After having his serve broken late in the first set to go down 4-5, Djokovic took a medical time-out to have his left thigh strapped.
The 37-year-old might have lost the first set after returning to the court, but the break allowed him to refocus on his charge at Alcaraz for the rest of the match.
After securing the victory just before 1am on Wednesday, the former world No.1 hugged coach Andy Murray.
“I just wish this match today was a final,” Djokovic said.
“One of the most epic matches I have played on this court, on any court really.”
If Djokovic wins a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, it will make him the most successful singles player of all time.
The seventh seed is locked on 24 major titles, the same number as Margaret Court won during her singles career from 1960 to 1973.
Djokovic will face German second seed Alexander Zverev, who is aiming to win his first major title, in the semi-finals on Friday night.
If Djokovic can get past Zverev — which would be his 100th win at the Australian Open — world No.1 Jannik Sinner could be all that stands between him and becoming the undisputed greatest of all-time.
Djokovic has won his past two encounters against Alcaraz since the world No.3 embarrassed him in straight sets in last year’s Wimbledon final.
Alcaraz was aiming to become the youngest player to achieve a career grand slam, having claimed last year’s French Open and Wimbledon crowns to go with his US Open title in 2022.
He equalled his best result at Melbourne Park, after also bowing out in the quarter-finals at last year’s Australian Open.
