Novak Djokovic defies injury to stun Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open
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At the end of another breathless exchange in the early stages of the most highly anticipated match of the Australian Open, alone in the centre of the colossal Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic squatted down on to the court before solemnly stretching his lower body.
![[Carlos Alcaraz tries to get to a lob during his match against Novak Djokovic]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/08fd044759bc2556fe8b8f24e7f24ba42bd1b39f/0_0_7203_4802/master/7203.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
In the previous 30 seconds, Djokovic had been run ragged by a Carlos Alcaraz in full flight; he was ruthlessly dragged from sideline to sideline by the Spaniard’s nuclear groundstrokes, pulled forward by a delicate drop shot and then vanquished by a laser-like forehand winner as he stood helplessly at the net. Djokovic pulled up from the gruelling point limping and he called for the physio.
![[Andy Murray, coach of Novak Djokovic, applauds his efforts against Carlos Alcaraz.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/09020c2879961b535978b07142ca447802e5393d/0_123_4953_3364/master/4953.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
It seemed for a few fleeting moments that the challenge of holding off one of the most special young players in history might be beyond Djokovic and his worn-down 37-year-old body. Instead, he responded with a masterpiece of a performance in the tournament that has defined his career, offering yet another reminder of his greatness by rallying from a set down to defeat Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 .
Djokovic has now reached 50 grand-slam semi-finals, extending his all-time record. As he continues to rewrite all the age-based records in his name – he is now the third man to reach multiple grand slam semi-finals after turning 37 and he is also the third man in the Open era to reach the semi-finals at this age. Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer are the others to achieve this distinction.
