Australian Open: Novak Djokovic Knocks Out Carlos Alcaraz For Appearance In Semis

 

Novak Djokovic emerged as the winner of the anticipated showdown between him and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. It does not stop there as he is now set for another tough encounter with Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. 

Alcaraz was poised for a controlled match, winning the opening set to establish his dominance before Djokovic set for a rally to win in four sets, 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4. However, there was an injury scare in the first set. Djokovic left leg was bandaged after he was attended to by the paramedics. 

"I want to say my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos," Djokovic confessed. "What a terrific guy he is, and an even better competitor." 

Though the Spanish played fiercely, deploying his forehand for stunning ground strokes, he was contained by Djokovic on his rally at 3-3 in the second set. The long, energy-sapping game was the turning point for the Serb, who later won a break to win the set. 

Djokovic, 37, is on the quest for his eighth title in Melbourne and a career-height of 25 Grand Slam titles, which will set him as the all-time Open Era biggest winner in tennis history. Alcaraz was also having an important tournament but the loss hampered his quest for his fifth Grand Slam.  

Having to defeat the Spaniard is Djokovic's first since their previous encounter at Wimbledon where Alcaraz defended the championship for a back-to-back defeat of the Serbian.