Novak Djokovic is one step closer to claiming a record 25th Grand Slam title after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the Grand Slam title quarter-finals. Australian Open on Tuesday.
The grueling match between one of the sport’s most iconic players and one of its rising stars lasted more than three and a half hours into the early hours of the morning. Djokovic, who advanced to his 12th semi-final appearance in Melbourne, said he thought the match was worthy of a final.
Novak Djokovic, pictured here, plays a backhand return against Carlos Alcaraz during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. (AP photo/by Han Guan)
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“I wish this match today was the final,” he said after his 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory. “One of the most epic games I’ve played on this field. On any field.”
Despite the 16-year age difference, the match will go between Djokovic and Alcaraz reminiscent of the matches between the ‘Big Three’.
“Carlos brings so much energy and intensity to the court and always demands the best from his opponent so that his opponent has a chance to beat him,” Djokovic said after the match.
Novak Djokovic, right, is congratulated by Carlos Alcaraz after their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (AP photo/by Han Guan)
“I’m sure we’ll see a lot of him,” he added. “Maybe not as much as I’d like.”
At just 21 years old, Alcaraz is already a four-time Grand Slam champion. However, Djokovic, who at the age of 37 must be considered in the twilight of his career, is on his way to making even more history.
His ten Australian Open titles are more than any tennis player. No one has won more Grand Slams than him with 24, and a win in Melbourne will further that record.
Novak Djokovic, pictured here, celebrates after beating Carlos Alcaraz in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
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Djokovic will face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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