Novak Djokovic couldn’t chase his eleventh Australian Open title. The Serb reached his fiftieth Main semi-final in Melbourne however stopped there, retiring towards Alexander Zverev after dropping the opening set.
Novak skilled a hamstring harm versus Carlos Alcaraz within the quarter-final. The veteran prevailed however couldn’t repeat that three days later. He misplaced a good opener towards Zverev earlier than ending his marketing campaign resulting from elevated ache in his left leg.
Regardless of the setback, Djokovic left Melbourne with a few unbelievable information. By beating Carlos, Novak turned the third-oldest participant with a top-3 victory at Majors, becoming a member of Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer on the unique record.
Carlos Alcaraz: “I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak Djokovic played an unbelievable match. Facing Novak in the quarterfinal at a Grand Slam is the worst thing.”
The perfect and most memorable match of the Australian Open.pic.twitter.com/FyJod6xzFN
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) February 3, 2025
The nice Aussie turned 40 in 1974 however nonetheless performed at a excessive degree. Rosewall toppled John Newcombe at Wimbledon and the US Open, defeating one of many world’s finest gamers a few months earlier than his fortieth birthday! Roger Federer joined the celebration in 2019.
The Swiss maestro defeated his nice rival Rafael Nadal within the Wimbledon semi-final in 4 units, incomes a notable win a month earlier than turning 38. Novak entered the record at 37 years and eight months. The Serb toppled Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in three hours and 37 minutes!
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Djokovic injured his left leg within the opening set and acquired a medical timeout after the ninth sport. The 24-time Main saved his composure and claimed the second set regardless of experiencing extra points. The medicine began to work, and the veteran bested world no. 3 in units three and 4.
It was a good battle, with Novak profitable 9 factors greater than Carlos. The Spaniard fired 50 winners and 40 unforced errors. He sprayed too many errors at the pivotal factors and misplaced focus regardless of a dependable begin.
Novak performed higher within the pivotal moments and delivered a rock-solid victory en path to his twelfth semi-final in Melbourne. The ten-time champion suffered 4 breaks and broke the younger gun six occasions to construct the benefit.
Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
They traded breaks early within the opener. Djokovic missed a sport level at 4-4 and sprayed a forehand error to drop serve. He acquired a medical timeout earlier than Alcaraz wrapped up the set with a maintain at love at 5-4. The Serb performed higher originally of the second set.
Novak recovered his sport and delivered an early break within the second set for 3-0. Carlos pulled the break again within the fifth sport after a volley error from the legend. The Spaniard saved two break factors within the sixth sport and leveled the rating at 3-3, hoping for an entire comeback.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Djokovic claimed the ninth sport and stepped in on the return at 5-4. World no. 7 grabbed a break at love with a backhand down the road return winner, clinching the set and gathering a large enhance. Carlos misplaced his focus within the first a part of the third set.
He stayed unbroken in video games two and 4 earlier than lacking his possibilities in sport six. Alcaraz performed a free backhand to drop serve and fall 4-2 behind. World no. 3 pulled the break again within the seventh sport for extra drama.
Unimpressed, Novak landed a forehand winner within the eighth sport to safe one other break and transfer 5-3 up. The veteran served for the set in sport 9 and held from 0-30 following a backhand assault, roaring towards the group and transferring nearer to the end line.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Djokovic kicked off the fourth set with a break of serve. He saved a break level within the fourth sport and held after deuces within the sixth for 4-2. Carlos saved a break level in sport seven after a 36-stroke rally, remaining inside one break deficit.
The younger gun stepped in on the return within the eighth sport. He created two break factors and wasted them, lacking the final probability to increase the battle. Novak fired a forehand winner to convey the sport house and forge a 5-3 benefit.
Alcaraz extended the match with a service winner in sport 9. Djokovic served for the win at 5-4 and drew the rival’s mistake, sealing the deal and turning into the third-oldest participant with a top-3 win at Majors.
