Carlos Alcaraz21 years old and world No. 3, will continue to insist in future editions. He will continue to have the unfinished business of Melbourne Park nailed. It is the missing icing on his Grand Slam cake. Twice champion of Wimbledon (2023 and 2024) and once of the US Open (2022) and Roland Garros (2024), he has the hope of completing the full season.
He ran aground again in the quarterfinal round. If in 2024 a forceful Alexander Zverev, in 2025 he crashed against the king of the Australian Open, a memorable Novak Djokoviceven more of a legend after that demonstration. At 37 years old he never ceases to surprise. While the cheetah was silent these days, at the key moment he revealed a superlative talent to stop the Murcian’s push.
Impressive Djokovic, in Olympic champion mode. They had not faced each other since the Serbian snatched the gold from the Spaniard in the land of Roland Garros. It was once again a battle of emotions, strategies and blows of all powers, directions and variety. A marvel of sport.
Novak Djokovic receives congratulations from Carlos Alcaraz at the end of the match.
Vincent Thian / Ap-LaPresse
The expert and veteran, the ten-time champion of the Australian Open and who is not resigned to breaking the record for most Grand Slam titles, won. Share the number of 24 with the Australian Margaret Courtwent to zero the previous campaign. He didn’t give up. On the contrary, he went to look for the Scottish Andy Murray as a new coach, another incentive to stay in the fight.
The paradox is that having surpassed Carlos Alcaraz It doesn’t allow you to celebrate it excessively. Accustomed to measuring themselves in finals, it was only a quarter-final, there is a long, and difficult, way to go towards the trophy. Novak Djokovic seventh in the world, he beat Alcaraz for the fifth time in eight meetings, with a total of 3-0 on a hard court. It was imposed by 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 y 6-4 and 3h.37′.
On Friday, in his twelfth semi-final at Melbourne Park, his 50th in a Grand Slam, he will face another serious candidate, the German Alexander Zverev, 27 years old and number 2, executioner of the American Tommy Paul. Alcaraz will have little desire to see him, no matter how much he loves this sport and keeps a close eye on his opponents. He will be furious because, as a competitive beast, the only thing he needs to do is win.
Details matter. And in decisive points, the one illuminated on this occasion was Djokovic. He chose the moments better, he didn’t give anything away. Nor in a second set in which he seemed to doubt his physical condition, after having his left thigh bandaged. Silent, he put the situation to sleep to deliver an unexpected blow that allowed him to tie at one set. He later revealed that he could have retired if he had lost that partial, that the work of the physio and the doctor helped as the minutes passed.
Novak Djokovic celebrates the victory against Alcaraz that now places him in the semifinals of the first Grand Slam of the 2025 season.
-Asanka Brendon Ratnayake / Ap-LaPresse
The Djokovic who grows in extreme situations appeared. Majestic, covering every corner of the track. The serve helps, the rest presses as much as possible. A wall at 37 years old. More electric and powerful in Alcaraz’s hitting, also with a bit less consistency, making some mistakes that gave air to the opponent.
Alcaraz nothing was left. He also put his hand on his right hip and buttock on specific occasions in the final stretch. It was epic. On the edge of the precipice, with 2-4 and a break point for 2-5 and Djokovic’s serve for the match, Juan Carlos Ferrero’s pupil exhibited the survival capacity that not infrequently, also against Djokovic, allowed him to turn around completely to a match in which they were approaching defeat.
There were 33 very punishing blows for its excellence and demand. Until Djokovic failed, giving encouragement to Alcaraz, who celebrated with the public, who communicated with his box. A reason to believe. They both ended up doubled over from the effort. But it had been more worth it for the Murcian, who became empowered. He tried again, he had two balls for 4-4, regaining equality. He was denied by a colossal Djokovic, with an answer for everything.
Djokovic data – Alcaraz
Sofascore
A magnificent show, from both of them, that ended at one in the morning. Every time they meet there is a spark on the track. Djokovic was better when he played. Alcaraz changed how he threw the ball and hit it on the serve, he loaded the neck of his racket with five more grams. He understands it more and more, it is a job for today and also for tomorrow, to continue looking for Grand Slam trophies. There is much good left ahead. Alcaraz always knows how to learn from defeats and react.
