For a period of time in the first set in his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, it appeared Novak Djokovic was down and out. The 10-time Australian Open champion seemed to have injured his quad muscle as he was reaching for the tennis ball around the baseline. Djokovic then went on to lose the set and at the time it appeared the match was complete.
However, some how and some way, Djokovic once again showed spectacular magic at age 37. Over the next three hours it was Alcaraz who seemed to be not playing at a high level and lacking the necessary intensity to be victorious on this night. From a mental standpoint the edge definitely went to Djokovic throughout the match as it was the Serbian who had the absolute edge. After losing the first set 6-4, Djokovic went on to win the next three sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
From a statistical standpoint, Djokovic had fewer double faults. Djokovic had three and Alcaraz had five. Djokovic also broke Alcaraz six times in 13 opportunities.
Djokovic will next play Alexander Zverev of Germany. In the other quarterfinal match on Tuesday, Zverev also needed four sets to beat his opponent as he knocked out American Tommy Paul 7-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-1.
Djokovic has won eight of 12 meetings head-to-head against Zverev. Interestingly, Djokovic did not play Zverev at all last year. Their last battle came in the semifinals of Cincinnati in 2023, which Djokovic won 7-6, 7-5. This will be their third meeting in Australia. Djokovic won 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Australian Open and 6-7, 6-2, 7-5 at the ATP Cup in 2021.
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