Djokovic topples Alcaraz and reaches his 50th Grand Slam semi-final

The Australian Open quarter-final clash pits Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz.

The two men, who have had spectacular matches in the past at major tournaments, meet again for a place in the last four in Melbourne.

The Spaniard, who has never made it past the quarter-final stage at an Australian Open, has a tough task ahead of him.

Opposite him, the Serb, who has already won the tournament ten times, is hoping to claim his 25th Grand Slam title in the coming days, and is playing in his own backyard on Rod Laver Arena.

The first set set the tone for the match. Rhythm, intensity and an early break for Djokovic, who entered the match perfectly.

But Alcaraz didn't give in and broke immediately, before taking the lead.

Djokovic suffered an adductor injury at the end of the first set and had to seek treatment off-court, but his intensity never waned on his return.

He sent his opponent a message by once again taking his opponent's serve at the start of the second set.

With 5 games to 4 in his favor, Djokovic broke white to reset the score.

Despite some technical waste on both sides, most of the games were close, but Djokovic was the stronger player throughout.

Alcaraz, tactically ill-treated, struggled to find a plan B despite some fine points.

In the end, and quite logically, Novak Djokovic qualified in four sets (4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in 3h38). This is the Serb's 12th semi-final in this tournament, and his 50th Grand Slam semi-final since the start of his career.

When he has reached this stage of the competition, Djokovic has systematically won the Australian Open, with the exception of 2024 (Sinner eliminated him before the final).

As for Alcaraz, he'll have to wait before lifting the only Grand Slam tournament he's never won.

After being eliminated by Zverev last year, he has now reached the quarter-finals for the second time in succession. The German will be Djokovic's opponent in the next round.

On court after his victory, Djokovic, who beat Alcaraz for the 5th time in 8 meetings, was quick to praise the Spaniard.

"I have the greatest respect and admiration for Carlos, for what he represents in this sport and for everything he has achieved in his young career.

He's a great guy and a great competitor. He was the youngest ever world number 1. He's already won four Grand Slams.

He'll be at the top for a long time. I'd have liked this match to be a final, honestly," said the Serb to a standing ovation from Rod Laver Arena.