A vintage Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a late-night showdown to advance to an Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev. At the same time, two-time women’s defending champion Aryna Sabalenka fought on. Djokovic, 37, rolled back the years at the site of his greatest successes, Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory at nearly 1:00 a.m. The Serb advanced to the semi-finals.
The 37-year-old will meet with world number two Alexander Zverev, edging closer to his 11th Melbourne triumph and record 25th Slam trophy. With former adversary Andy Murray now coaching him, Djokovic was at his imperious and defiant best, cupping his ear to the crowd after winning crucial points. Djokovic was the focus of controversy on Monday after he sought and received an apology from a local TV presenter.
Spain’s world number three, Alcaraz, will have to wait another year to get a kangaroo tattoo. He had promised to receive one if he won the Australian Open for the first time. The 21-year-old four-time major champion has never progressed past the Melbourne Park last eight. Former world number one Novak Djokovic increased his career lead over Alcaraz to 5-3, having defeated him in the Paris Olympics final in their previous match.
Djokovic Silences Critics Once Again
Alcaraz defeated his rival in the Wimbledon finals in 2023 and 2024. In hot and windy conditions, Germany’s Zverev overcame American Tommy Paul 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6-1 to advance his quest for his maiden Grand Slam title. The 27-year-old lost his calm at one point—due to a feather. The umpire requested a replay when the feather landed in front of him during a vital stroke.
On Thursday, world number one and incumbent champion Jannik Sinner will face home hope Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, with the winner facing either American 21st seed Ben Shelton or unseeded Italian Lorenzo Sonego. Sabalenka will meet Paula Badosa in the final four as she looks to win the Australian Open for the third time in a row, a feat last accomplished by Martina Hingis 26 years ago.
