Wounded Djokovic outlasts young gun Alcaraz to close in on history | Jack Snape
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Despite a first-set groin strain, the 37-year-old won an epic showdown to stay on course for a record 25th grand slam. When the gunslinger takes a bullet, the movie tends to quicken. A shootout goes awry, the drama builds. Their stomach bloody. Their eyes blinking new resolve. The thoughts of the audience turn only to how long they can last.
![[Carlos Alcaraz cuts a frustrated figure during his quarter-final defeat by Novak Djokovic.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/75f2a0060ff10af8bfe82c8ed41b3b29637c171b/0_174_4707_2825/master/4707.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
This cinematic masterpiece was no exception. On Tuesday Novak Djokovic enjoyed top billing, back for another tilt long after doubters thought he was done. And the sheriff-slash-outlaw prevailed in a remarkable quarter-final pitting youth versus experience, then against now, present fighting future.
But this was no spaghetti western lazy on trope, available for free in a streamer’s back catalogue, passable on a rainy Sunday night. Carlos Alcaraz trying to retire a wounded Djokovic was can’t-look-away entertainment, a summer blockbuster, a tennis marvel with a twist.
More accurately, it appeared to be a strain of the upper groin. When the 37-year-old Djokovic stretched awkwardly in the first set, he immediately appeared in pain. Soon afterwards, racing in to pick up another torturous Alcaraz drop shot, his face said it all. On his haunches, he grimaced and shook his head as he looked towards his box.
When he went off for a medical timeout before the first set was done, this contest seemed over. How could yesterday’s hero, robbed of one leg, match the physical specimen Alcaraz, whose biceps and teeth glistened on a cool summer eve? Djokovic walked back out gingerly, a white bandage peeping out from below his shorts.
