Novak Djokovic Outlasts Carlos Alcaraz in Epic Australian Open Clash
Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling Australian Open quarterfinal match, setting up a semifinal showdown with Alexander Zverev.
Novak Djokovic rolled back the years with a vintage performance, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling Australian Open quarterfinal match on Tuesday. The 37-year-old Djokovic's victory propelled him into the semifinals, keeping his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title alive.
12 AO semifinals. 50 Grand Slam semifinals.#AO2025 • @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/H0P5MRM0f4
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
The match marked the latest installment in the burgeoning rivalry between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with the two having previously clashed in the Paris Olympics gold medal match. Djokovic's hardcourt prowess ultimately proved too much for the 21-year-old Alcaraz, as the Serbian star maintained his dominance on the surface.
Alcaraz's defeat was a significant setback, as the French Open and Wimbledon champion's bid to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam was thwarted. The loss also marked Alcaraz's third defeat at the hands of Djokovic on hardcourts, a disappointing outcome for the talented Spaniard.
Djokovic Rallies to Defeat Alcaraz in Four Sets
The Great Wall of Djokovic 💪@bondisands • #BondiSands • #StayCool • #AusOpen • #AO2025 • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/MYytDbbYSf
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
The match between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz got off to a shaky start for the Spaniard, with some loose shots allowing Djokovic to gain an early advantage. However, Alcaraz quickly regained his composure, firing a stunning backhand winner to pull back a break and eventually taking a 5-4 lead in the opening set. Djokovic's error-prone play continued, and he dropped his serve for a second time, prompting him to take an off-court medical timeout.
Lovely words, Nole 💙
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
Total respect between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz 🤝#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/Ud0mFjkMzc
Djokovic returned to the court with his left thigh taped up, but Alcaraz remained unfazed, holding serve to love and clinching the set with a powerful ace. The momentum shifted in the second set, as Djokovic adopted a more aggressive approach, making several successful forays to the net and producing a spectacular backhand overhead smash. Although Alcaraz managed to level the set at 3-3, Djokovic's relentless pressure eventually told, as he claimed the second set.
The 10-time Melbourne Park champion continued to dominate in the third set, showcasing his trademark surgical precision to take a 4-2 and then 5-3 lead. The Rod Laver Arena crowd erupted in cheers as Djokovic broke Alcaraz's serve, and he went on to claim the set. Djokovic carried his momentum into the fourth set, breaking Alcaraz early to take a stranglehold on the match. Despite Alcaraz's valiant efforts, including a thrilling 33-shot rally to rescue a break point, Djokovic's experience ultimately proved decisive, as he sealed the victory.
99* not out@DjokerNole claims his 99th win at the Australian Open 👏#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/LUGDQ0AsAD
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
With his win over Alcaraz, Djokovic set up a semifinal showdown with second-seeded German Alexander Zverev. The 37-year-old Serb's impressive performance against Alcaraz was a testament to his enduring quality and his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
No comments:
Leave comment here