In a thrilling late-night showdown at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz to secure a spot in the Australian Open semi-finals against Alexander Zverev.
The 37-year-old Serb overcame Alcaraz with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, continuing his quest for an 11th Melbourne title and a record 25th Grand Slam. Djokovic, coached by former rival Andy Murray, delivered a masterful performance, signalling his victory with a defiant gesture to the crowd.
Djokovic also addressed a recent controversy, demanding and receiving an apology from a local TV presenter for remarks he found offensive. Meanwhile, Spain’s Alcaraz, still aiming for his first Australian Open win, will have to wait another year for his chance and the kangaroo tattoo he promised himself upon victory.
In other matches, Germany’s Zverev advanced by defeating Tommy Paul in challenging conditions marked by heat and wind. The match featured a peculiar interruption when a feather caused a critical point to be replayed, leading to Zverev expressing his frustration vocally before clinching the game.
On the women’s side, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka fought through tough conditions to beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. She now faces Paula Badosa, who has reached her first Grand Slam semi-final after a significant comeback from a back injury last year.
The tournament offers spectacular tennis, with world number one Jannik Sinner set to play Alex de Minaur. The winner will face either American Ben Shelton or Italian Lorenzo Sonego. As the competition intensifies, the players remain focused on advancing through one of tennis’s most challenging events, with Sabalenka eyeing a historic third consecutive Australian Open title.
