A vintage performance from Novak Djokovic saw him overcome Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling late-night quarter-final to set up a semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open. Meanwhile, defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka fought hard to stay in contention for a third consecutive title.
The 37-year-old Djokovic rolled back the years with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alcaraz, wrapping up the match close to 1:00 AM. The win propelled him into the semi-finals, bringing him closer to a potential 11th Melbourne title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.
“I just wish this match was the final,” Djokovic commented after the match, despite appearing to struggle with a thigh injury during the early stages. “One of the most epic matches I’ve played on any court.”
Djokovic, now coached by former rival Andy Murray, was in fine form, engaging the crowd after winning crucial points and showing his defiant best on the court.
Alcaraz, who had hoped to win his first Australian Open and get a kangaroo tattoo, will have to wait until next year. Despite Djokovic’s apparent movement struggles, Alcaraz was unable to capitalize and couldn’t push his rival to the limit.
Zverev secured his spot in the semis with a 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6-1 win over Tommy Paul, though he expressed frustration when a feather interrupted play during a critical moment.
In women’s action, Sabalenka advanced to the semi-finals after a tough 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Belarusian world number one is aiming for a third consecutive Australian Open title. She will face Spain’s Paula Badosa, who made it to her first Slam semi-final after defeating Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4.
Badosa’s stunning comeback, following a back injury that nearly ended her career, capped a remarkable year, while Gauff expressed disappointment over her first defeat of 2025.
Iga Swiatek will continue her pursuit of a first Australian Open title on Wednesday, facing Emma Navarro in the quarter-finals.
