Novak Djokovic is 2 wins away from a record 25th major and eleventh Australian Open title, nevertheless it did not look that means early in his quarterfinal match in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
Just a few video games earlier than dropping the primary set, the Serb needed a medical timeout and it appeared just like the writing was on the wall for the 37-year-old in opposition to an opponent 16 years youthful.
Within the second set, although, Djokovic upped his aggression together with his volleys and drop photographs whereas changing on an uncharacteristic 8-of-13 web factors. The change of technique caught Alcaraz abruptly, forcing the Spaniard to change his sport plan and focus extra on protection. Nevertheless, he appeared to have few solutions for Djokovic, who transformed an unimaginable 15-of-36 of his returns and gained 89 p.c of his second-serve factors.
It was the identical story within the third set as Djokovic once more gained 5-of-7 web factors and 15-of-30 returns. The 21-year-old Alcaraz confirmed his inexperience with 11 unforced errors, a couple of of which had been so crippling that it price him a break of serve after being up 40-15.
Within the fourth set, Alcaraz regained his mojo with a couple of of his trademark inside-out winners. Down 3-4, he had the golden alternative to win again a break when he jumped out to a 40-15 lead. As soon as once more, Djokovic — arguably essentially the most clutch performer in tennis historical past — pulled out all of the stops to carry serve and survive Alcaraz’s onslaught.
Djokovic prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to arrange a semifinal conflict in opposition to World No. 3 Alexander Zverev. The 37-year-old icon shall be within the closing 4 at Melbourne Park for the twelfth time in his illustrious profession. Over the past decade, the 10-time winner has by no means reached this deep into the Australian main and didn’t elevate the trophy.
