Novak Djokovic on Tuesday produced a stunning comeback to beat Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the Australian Open quarterfinals and set up a semifinal against second-seeded Alexander Zverev.
The 10-time champion lost the first set to the third-seeded Spaniard despite having his left thigh heavily strapped but turned things around quickly to advance to his 12th semifinal in Melbourne.
The 37-year-old won the epic generational clash against the player who is 16 years his junior as he searches for a record 25th Grand Slam crown.
It was a vintage three-hour-and-37-minute performance that extended his all-time record for most Grand Slam semifinal appearances to 50, four clear of Roger Federer.
“I just wish that this match today was the final. Just one of the most epic matches I have played on this court, any court really,” said Djokovic.
To reach another final, he will need to beat second seeded Zverev, who battled into the last four for a second year running with a 7-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-1 win over American 12th seed Tommy Paul.
“I guess the key is recovery,” Djokovic said, looking ahead to the Zverev clash.
“That’s all I’m thinking about. Hopefully I can come out and feel my best because Sascha (Zverev) is playing some of the best tennis he has played.”
