Novak Djokovic is one step closer to claiming a record 25th Grand Slam title after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of Australian Open on Tuesday.
The grueling battle between one of the sport’s most iconic players and one of its rising stars lasted more than three and a half hours until the early hours of the morning. Djokovic, who advanced to his 12th semi-final appearance in Melbourne, said he felt the match was worthy of a final.
Novak Djokovic, pictured here, plays a backhand return to Carlos Alcaraz during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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“I just wish this match today was the final,” he said after his 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win. “One of the most epic matches I’ve played on this course. On any course.”
Despite the 16-year age difference, the matchup between Djokovic and Alcaraz has come to resemble the battles between “the big three”.
“Carlos brings so much energy and intensity to the court and always demands the best from his opponent for his opponent to have a chance to win against him,” Djokovic said after the match.
Novak Djokovic, right, is congratulated by Carlos Alcaraz after their quarter-final match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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“I’m sure we’ll be seeing 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 should be considered in the twilight of his career at 37, is on his way to making even more history.
His 10 Australian Open titles are more than any other men’s tennis player. No one has won more Grand Slams than him with 24 and a win in Melbourne will push that record further.
Novak Djokovic, pictured here, celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Djokovic moves on to face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.
