Novak Djokovic kept his bid of a record 25th grand slam title alive as he battled injury and fought from a set down to defeat young rival Carlos Alcaraz and win an epic Australian Open quarter-final 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4.
Djokovic backed up his sensational victory over the 21-year-old Alcaraz in the Olympics final with a remarkable comeback in Melbourne, with the 37-year-old having struggled with his left leg in the early stages of the match.
He left the court for a medical timeout but returned to find an inspired level of attacking play, tormenting Alcaraz on the returns while withstanding the Spaniard on the defence in a stunning display of his remaining powers.
Djokovic’s bid to become the oldest grand slam champion of all time does not get any easier: he will face second seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, with defending champion Jannik Sinner still on the other side of the draw as well.
And he admitted he was left “concerned” by his upper leg injury and said he does not know what condition he will be in ahead of Friday’s semi-final. “If I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be,” Djokovic said.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka also prevailed in a tough battle against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and the defending champion will face Paula Badosa in the semi-finals. Badosa ended Coco Gauff’s winning run to reach her first grand slam semi-final.
Follow live updates from Djokovic v Alcaraz in our live blog below.
Djokovic v Alcaraz: Australian Open latest score updates
- Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 at Australian Open
- Djokovic ‘concerned’ by injury ahead of Australian Open semi-finals
- FOURTH SET! Djokovic holds off Alcaraz to reach semi-finals
- THIRD SET! Djokovic wins point of the tournament to come from behind
- SECOND SET! Injured Djokovic takes fight to Alcaraz to level match
- FIRST SET! Impressive Alcaraz leads after Djokovic takes medical timeout
- Djokovic will play Alexander Zverev after four-set win over Tommy Paul
- Aryna Sabalenka battles past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
- Coco Gauff knocked out by Spain's Paula Badosa 7-5 6-4
The moment Carlos Alcaraz let Novak Djokovic mount an epic, improbable Australian Open comeback
18:17
,
Jamie Braidwood
When Carlos Alcaraz saw his great rival Novak Djokovic limp off the court towards the end of the first set of their blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final, the 21-year-old admitted to feeling a sense of relief. Alcaraz’s experience of the Olympics final at Roland Garros, where Djokovic raised his level to win his elusive gold medal last summer in a hugely emotional defeat for the young Spaniard, ensured he needed no reminder of how fearsome an opponent the 37-year-old remains when fully fit.
But as Djokovic struggled to move from side to side, let alone return his groundstrokes on the run or hit through his opponent from the back of the court, Alcaraz’s shoulders relaxed. Djokovic, head down, exited the Rod Laver Arena for a medical timeout, returning after several minutes with heavy strapping around his upper left leg. A few moments later, Alcaraz wrapped up the first set; having beaten Djokovic in consecutive Wimbledon finals over best-of-five, it looked a long way back for the 10-time Australian Open champion.
But Alcaraz will not forget what happened next.
Novak Djokovic hits back to beat Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open thriller
17:45
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic proved himself the Melbourne Park master once again with a brilliant late-night victory over young pretender Carlos Alcaraz.
The 10-time Australian Open champion is only two wins away from a record-breaking 25th grand slam title after a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 success completed at 12.57am that will have put the whole locker room on notice.
A potential concern for Djokovic, who next plays second seed Alexander Zverev in what will be his 50th slam semi-final, is a left leg problem that required treatment during the opening set, but he seemed to improve physically as the match went on.
Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind Andy Murray celebation
17:17
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic reveals why he turned to celebrate with Andy Murray after winning match point against Carlos Alcaraz.
“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges every single day. People don’t see that obviously.
“We try to make the most out of every day and grow together. He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be.
“So it was kind of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the fact that he’s out there, and he doesn’t need to be.
“He accepted to work with me. He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.
“This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, you know, for the relationship. Yeah, that’s why I went to him, because I just felt very grateful that he’s there.”
Novak Djokovic ‘concerned’ by injury ahead of Australian Open semi-finals
16:46
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic admitted he is “concerned” by his left leg injury as attention now turns to Friday’s Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
“I have to assess the situation tomorrow when I wake up. I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team, with my physio today, tomorrow, the next few days. Probably skip training tomorrow.
“I’ll see if I’m going to train in two days or not. I’ll take it day by day. Now it’s really about recovery.
“I’m concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.
“This match drains both players. Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible battle, of high intensity, of course it has its toll.
“At the same time I think it has more toll on the physical side rather than mental and emotional. Actually it feels like you’re feeding off this kind of win.
“That’s how I feel now. I hope to be able physically to be moving freely and to be able to be ready to play five sets.”
Novak Djokovic responds to Carlos Alcaraz comments: ‘I saw it’
16:16
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic’s response when told Carlos Alcaraz admitted he lost focus when he saw his opponent was struggling with injury in the second set.
“I saw it. I try to use that to my advantage, in a sense, to take the initiative of the rallies and his hesitation. He was trying to play at some point quite a few dropshots and make me run.
“I’ve been in the situations, as well, where opponent’s struggling with injury, but kept going. The opponent is going for everything, and then he’s staying in the match. Then all of a sudden as the match progresses, the opponent feels better. You’re starting to panic a bit with your game.
“I understand the feeling. Look, I feel for him. I understand that it’s not comfortable to play someone that you don’t know if he’s going to retire or not. Is he moving? Is he running? What’s happening? I felt that he was looking at me more than he was looking at himself.”
Carlos Alcaraz to leave Australian Open with ‘head up'
16:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz says he will leave the Australian Open with his “head up” after taking pride in his performance against Novak Djokovic.
“I’m playing great, great matches,” he said. “I mean, every time that we play against each other, I think it’s a guarantee.
“We push us to the limit, each other. I think we’ve played great points, great rallies. It was really tight the third, the fourth set. I mean, the whole match, I guess.
“I’m just lucky to live this experience. I’m 21 years old. From these matches, I’m getting so much experience about how to deal with everything. I’m not going to hide.
“I’ve done great things in tennis already, but playing against one of the best in history of our sport, these kind of matches help me a lot in the future to be better.
“I’m just happy to be able to live this experience. It’s great hearing those words from someone who played historic matches and achieved historic things.
“I’m leaving here Australia with the head up. I’m really happy about hearing those words from Novak.”
Carlos Alcaraz admits he thought Novak Djokovic match was going to get ‘easier’
15:45
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz admits he thought his quarter-final with Novak Djokovic was going to get “easier” when he saw his opponent was struggling with injury.
“When you are seeing someone that is struggling physically a little bit, it’s kind of you not playing the same level,” Alcaraz said.
“It seems like, okay, it’s going to be easier. At the same time in your mind you’re thinking, like, Okay, I have not to make mistakes.
“Probably you’re not hitting the ball at the same way that you’re hitting before. I think that’s it.
“I think he did great, great hits, great shots. He started to play more aggressively, try not to move so much in the second set.
“He made few of them, which make him stay up in the set, break up, or stay up. After that, as I said, it was really difficult to overcome that, and I’m playing better than him.”
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz reacts to his defeat to Novak Djokovic
15:31
,
Jamie Braidwood
In his press conference, Carlos Alcaraz admits he should have pushed Novak Djokovic harder in the second set while the 37-year-old was stuggling with injury.
“Honestly, I felt like I was controlling the match, and I let him get into the match again. I’m going to say that’s was the biggest mistake that I made today.
“In the second set I had to play a little bit better just to push him even more to the limit. He had issues just moving a little bit in the second set. I had to push him a little bit more just to the limit, and I didn’t.
“After that, I think he started to feel better and playing such a great level. That was my biggest mistake today.
“But obviously when Novak is at this level, it’s really difficult. I think I had my chances. It was a really close match.
“I think most of the crucial points went to his side. When Novak is playing at this level, it’s really difficult to find the way.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic’s record against Alexander Zverev
15:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic made a joke in his on-court interview that he has an agreement with Alexander Zverev that he always beats him at the grand slams.
And he’s not wrong: Djokovic has won their three previous matches over best-of-five sets, including in the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2021.
He leads the head-to-head 8-4, but their last meeting came in 2021 at the ATP Finals. Zverev’s biggest win over Djokovic came in the Olympic semi-finals that year, when they met five times.
Australian Open: Djokovic calls Alcaraz match ‘one of the best matches I have played’
14:45
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic, speaking to Eurosport, about playing through injury to beat Carlos Alcaraz:
“You don’t want to be playing with an injury, but you have to adapt to the circumstances and whatever you are facing on the court. It’s not the first time for me, here in 2021 and 2023 I had similar things. I played some of my best tennis after that. I have an extra day off and hopefully that will help.
“Once the body cools down, I will know what the reality is. It has been one of the best battles and matches that I have played on any court. I had to do better than I have done the entire tournament. I don’t know how I got out of that trouble towards end of the fourth set and I’m just super pleased to get through.”
Australian Open: More history and records on the line for Djokovic
14:31
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic is now through to his 50th grand slam semi-final, and his 12th Australian Open semi-final.
He’s only lost one Australian Open semi-final, and that was last year to Jannik Sinner. Usually when he reaches this stage, he wins the tournament.
A 25th grand slam title, which would give him the outright singles record, remains possible.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic on how injury changed his approach
14:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic stops his interview when he sees his kids are still on court at 1am local time!
“In 2023 I had a similar injury and carried it from the start of the tournament, I had to go for my shots more and sometimes it helps. We are so nervous on the court, we are going through emotional turmoil. Any point can shift the momentum, especially against a champion like Carlos.
“It was unfortunate what happened to me. But comparing it to 2023, it does help mentally. You have to play a bit more aggressive, I guess that is going to be necessary for me ahead of playing Zverev in the semi-finals.
“The key is recovery for me now. The extra day has come at a perfect time for me at the tournament. Let’s see if it’s going to be good enough on Friday. We have an agreement, as long as I keep playing he is going to let me win grand slam matches.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic on his injury
14:10
,
Jamie Braidwood
“Since I am still in the tournament, I don’t want to reveal too much. The medication started to kick in.
“They helped, no doubt. I had to take another dose. If I’d lost that second set, I don’t know if I’d have continued playing.
“I felt better and better and managed to play a great couple of games at the end of the second set.
“Then I saw that Carlos was hesitant a little bit at the back of the court and I took my chances, started to feel better and move better.
“It didn’t bother me or create any hindrance towards the end of the match. When the medication starts to release, I’ll see what the reality is tomorrow morning.
“Right now I am just trying to be in the moment and enjoy this victory.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic on beating Carlos Alcaraz
14:07
,
Jamie Braidwood
How on earth did Novak Djokovic win that? How did he find his best level at the grand slams, in over a year, after taking a medical timeout and struggling with injury in the first set?
Let’s ask him. He’s talking to Jim Courier on court.
“With my two legs and two arms, I guess. Or one and a half legs.
“First, I want to say my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos and everything he stands for and has achieved so far in his career.
“What a terrific guy he is and an even better competitor, the youngest No 1 in the world in history, four grand slams.
“I’m sure we are going to see a lot of him. He’s going to be there for sure longer than me. I just wish that this match today was the final, honestly.
“I don’t know if Sacha Zverev is still awake and watching this. One of the most epic matches that I’ve played on any court.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 Carlos Alcaraz:
14:05
,
Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH!
Djokovic soaks this up. He’s just repeated his Olympics final performance against Alcaraz, on one leg.
An extraordinary match. Carlos Alcaraz’s bid to complete the career grand slam will have to wait another year.
So much respect between Djokovic and Alcaraz at the net.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 Carlos Alcaraz:
13:58
,
Jamie Braidwood
GAME, SET AND MATCH! ALCARAZ NETS AND DJOKOVIC WINS A CLASSIC TO ADVANCE!
And Djokovic turns to his box and roars! He knows how big that victory is! He is still capable of beating the very best players in the world at the grand slams!
It’s a stunning recovery from the 10-time champion, finding an inspired level of attacking play, tormenting Alcaraz on the returns while withstanding the Spaniard on the defence in a stunning display of his remaining powers.
Amazing. He will play Alexander Zverev next. He can still win a grand slam if he keeps this up.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 4-5 Novak Djokovic*
13:52
,
Jamie Braidwood
To keep his bid of a 25th grand slam title alive, over to Djokovic.
A big miss from Alcaraz on the opening point. He has not handled the wide serve well at all, and nets on the forehand return. 15-0.
Djokovic is almost taken off his feet, as he loses his balance and sends the forehand long. 15-15.
Djokovic finds the forehand attack, behind Alcaraz after brilliant defence from the Spaniard! Huge point. 30-15.
Alcaraz steps in behind the backhand and flashes the winner past Djokovic! Two points in it. 30-30.
Alcaraz pushes wide and long on the forehand! MATCH POINT TO DJOKOVIC FOR THE FIRST TIME!
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 4-5 Novak Djokovic*
13:51
,
Jamie Braidwood
Just what Alcaraz needed. A quick service hold.
Over to Djokovic. He’s one game from the semi-finals. Alcaraz has one last chance after having seen break points in the last game.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 3-5 Novak Djokovic
13:48
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic tumbles behind the baseline after Alcaraz fires long! He’s quickly back to his feet and has game point.
Alcaraz clips the net-cord and Djokovic puts away the forehand. He holds from 15-40 and move a game away!
Alcaraz threw everything at that.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 3-4 Novak Djokovic
13:41
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz steers the winner on the opening point of the Djokovic service game... Huge moments late in this fourth set.
And Alcaraz does it again! He steps around the forehand and whips the sublime winner inside the line. 0-30.
Djokovic responds to crush the backhand winner down the line!
But the hitting from Alcaraz is just too good! Alcaraz wins another long rally, this time 22 shots, as Djokovic struggles to catch his breath! He eventually fired wide on the forehand!
TWO BREAK POINTS. Alcaraz frames the forehand and sends it deep into the crowd! Unbelievable! He has another chance.
Djokovic saves the second! After two lets, he finds the first serve and moves in well. Even a player as quick as Alcaraz can’t reach the volley.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 3-4 Novak Djokovic*
13:38
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is all over the Djokovic forehand at the net! He swats away the volley and holds to stay alive! Incredible spirit, and he’s loving this.
Djokovic requires two more holds. We continue, now approaching 1am local time.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-4 Novak Djokovic*
13:34
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz moves from 15-15 to 40-15 as Djokovic puts two returns long.
The double fault returns from Alcaraz... and it’s followed by a drop shot, trickled into the net!
Now Alcaraz nets on the forehand and Djokovic has break point! This for the double break!
WHAT A POINT! INSANE! Alcaraz and Djokovic throwing absolutely everything at each other! Djokovic eventually misses on the forehand.
33 POINTS! Alcaraz is buckled over, catching his breath on court. Djokovic rages towards Murray!
That to SAVE BREAK POINT AND STAY ALIVE!
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-4 Novak Djokovic
13:30
,
Jamie Braidwood
Another wide serve from Djokovic. Alcaraz again can’t make the play on it and swipes his racket in frustration. He’s had looks.
Game point. Alcaraz goes long on the return, opting for the backhand. Another huge hold from Djokovic and he moves two games away.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-3 Novak Djokovic
13:25
,
Jamie Braidwood
Into the fourth hour of the match. It’s 12:23 am on Wednesday morning in Melbourne.
And Djokovic will have to come through another tough service game. Alcaraz whacked a massive forehand and Djokovic can’t find the first serve as he is required to face 30-30.
But he steadies to find the ace out wide, muttering to his box after landing the mark. Alcaraz dials up the power of his grounstrokes, switches to the drop shot, but Djokovic can’t find the return!
Another deuce. Djokovic found a gutsy second serve out wide, but Alcaraz respond with another huge forehand to bring it back to deuce.
I can’t believe it! Djokovic, again, produced the steely wide serve - but Alcaraz stays alive with a dead net-cord. Another deuce.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-3 Novak Djokovic*
13:18
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is finding something. After pushing for the break, he holds to love in the next game. He finds the forehand winner and ace down the middle to put the pressure straight back to Djokovic.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 1-3 Novak Djokovic
13:12
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is asking questions! He finds a monster backhand crosscourt to get to 30-30 on the Djokovic serve.
And now a double fault from Djokovic! Alcaraz will have the chance to break back!
EXTRAORDINARY RALLY! Djokovic saves break point with amazing defence, withstanding Alcaraz’s attacks. Deuce.
Now Alcaraz goes for too much! The forehand is hit long. And Djokovic holds! Another incredible defensive point, as the lob wrong-foots Alcaraz.
Huge hold from Djokovic.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 1-2 Novak Djokovic*
13:07
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz gets a relatively simple hold of serve for the first time in what feels like ages. Djokovic’s returning has been so, so good but now he just needs a few more holds to get over the line.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 0-2 Novak Djokovic
13:04
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz has won just three games since he led 6-4 4-4 in the second set. The response from Djokovic has been out of this world.
Alcaraz needs some inspiration. He flashes a backhand winner down the line but Djokovic immediately shuts him out to hold, slamming the first serve out wide.
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 0-1 Novak Djokovic*
13:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
There is no let-up in the drama and Djokovic strikes first in the fourth set! Extraordinary! Djokovic attacks Alcaraz right from the start and brings up two break points, blasting a forehand into Alcaraz’s feet from the net.
He then pushes his forehand long and Djokovic breaks to start the fourth! Alcaraz is also shaking out his legs, struggling with his body as well as the play from Djokovic.
Australian Open: SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 Novak Djokovic
12:56
,
Jamie Braidwood
Amazing scenes. Djokovic is a set away from the semi-finals. But Alcaraz is the king of the five-setter and won’t be giving up just yet. The 21-year-old was smiling as he returned to his seat. Djokovic was giving it back to the crowd.
Australian Open: SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 Novak Djokovic
12:49
,
Jamie Braidwood
We’ve had three consecutive breaks of serve. Djokovic needs the hold to win the set but starts off with a double fault.
Huge tension... and now Alcaraz toys with Djokovic to land a sublime drop shot on his backhand side. Immaculate.
0-30. Alcaraz yells in anger again as two returns go long of the baseline in consecutive points. 30-30 now.
A massive point, a tense rally! Alcaraz goes for the winner down the line but nets! It’s set point to Djokovic for a 2-1 lead!
OH MY GOODNESS! RALLY OF THE TOURNAMENT! DJOKOVIC AND ALCARAZ HAD WON THAT AT LEAST TWICE EACH!
But Djokovic shows incredible defence to reach the lob and produce the backhand crosscourt. Alcaraz goes for the drop shot, Djokovic reaches it! Alcaraz nets!
WHAT A SET OF TENNIS! And, somehow, Djokovic leads despite struggling early on!
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-5 Novak Djokovic*
12:48
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz releases a huge yell of frustration as he immediately faces 0-40! Djokovic’s returns once again crack Alcaraz’s attacking game, as a couple of errors from the Spaniard bring up three break points.
Djokovic only needs one! Shot of the match from Djokovic as he lands a forehand winner into the corner to finish a 22-shot rally!
Djokovic holds his finger to his ear and will serve for the set!
Australian Open: BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-4 Novak Djokovic
12:41
,
Jamie Braidwood
Now can Alcaraz respond? He raises his level and forces Djokovic into the miss from his forehand corner, bringing up 0-30.
And now it’s a double fault from Djokovic! 0-40 and three break points for Alcaraz to hit straight back in this third set.
Djokovic saves the first two behind excellent serving - with the forehand winner and wide serve that Alcaraz cannot return.
Alcaraz breaks! The Spaniard stands tall on the baseline and runs around his forehand to attack Djokovic down the line.
Djokovic’s defence breaks down and he can’t return on the backhand side! Alcaraz finds a way to overturn the momentum!
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 2-4 Novak Djokovic*
12:38
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz blinks on the forehand volley on 15-0, sending it long. Is the pressure of Djokovic’s return game getting to him? Alcaraz steadies, but back-to-back misses from Alcaraz brings up a third consecutive deuce game on the Spaniard’s serve.
A double fault from Alcaraz! Now he is feeling the pressure of the Djokovic return, as he pushes the serve long.
Djokovic holds firm against the Alcaraz forehand, defending his corner. Alcaraz nets and Djokovic does get the break in this crucial third set! From 40-15 up, Alcaraz is broken.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 2-3 Novak Djokovic
12:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
Right now, with the injured seemingly behind him and his body holding up physically, Djokovic looks to be the dominant player in this quarter-final.
Alcaraz digs in on the defence with all his might but Djokovic puts away the overhead. 40-15. Djokovic has the ball on a string and finds the first serve and backhand winner out wide.
3-2.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 2-2 Novak Djokovic*
12:28
,
Jamie Braidwood
Can Djokovic take his chance this time? Alcaraz is given a time violation warning when facing 0-30, after Djokovic wins the net-exchange on the opening point and then loses another with a backhand unforced error.
The Alcaraz drop shot is followed by the forehand winner! But Djokovic once again steps into the return and crushes the winner down the line to bring up another break point.
Alcaraz saves another one. He moves Djokovic deep into his forehand corner and he nets. Deuce.
Awesome direction from Alcaraz, finding excellent width and angles. Djokovic misses down the line.
Another tricky test passed! Alcaraz finds the one-two strike and puts away the forehand.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 1-2 Novak Djokovic
12:24
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic holds as Alcaraz nets on the second-serve. Bit of a loose game from Alcaraz, but perhaps understandable after the long service game in the previous one.
It’s approaching 11:30pm in Melbourne and tennis is once again facing the prospect of a major match being played after midnight.
No one is leaving Rod Laver Arena just yet, but it’s a huge shame for everyone there that the sport just can’t get its scheduling right.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 1-1 Novak Djokovic*
12:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
Not sure where he’s found it from, but Djokovic is playing at his highest level of his match right now. He is coping physically with Alcaraz’s shot, and defends on the stretch to force Alcaraz into the backhand miss.
30-30. Supreme return from Djokovic on the wide serve, then he finds the backhand pass crosscourt! Stunning winner and it sets up break point!
But Djokovic creaks and groans, and is forced off-balance by Alcaraz as the forehand brings up deuce. Djokovic, though, increases the power and wins a brutal baseline rally!
Second break point. Djokovic can’t keep the return in play and Alcaraz stays patient on the third deuce to direct the forehand winner into the corner.
Incredible defence from Alcaraz out wide on his forehand, salvaging the point when Djokovic looked to find the winner! Djokovic nets and Alcaraz gets the hold after saving two break points. Epic game.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 0-1 Novak Djokovic
12:11
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic crushes his forehand to get to 40-15 but Alcaraz hangs on and returns to the drop shot to force deuce.
Djokovic finds the first serve and puts the forehand behind Alcaraz - then lands an excellent second serve, spinning it down the middle.
Alcaraz nets on the stretch.
Australian Open: SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 Novak Djokovic
12:08
,
Jamie Braidwood
A hugely contrasting second set, with Djokovic playing much more aggressively and returning sensationally. Whether that has been inspired by his left leg injury, and being compromised physically, it seems to be the key to the match for Djokovic: keep the points short and target Alcaraz’s serve.
Alcaraz won just 4/12 second serve points.
Australian Open: SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 Novak Djokovic
12:05
,
Jamie Braidwood
A backhand miss from Alcaraz on the opening point, then he loses his footing as Djokovic takes on the rising ball and pounds it back for the forehand winner!
Djokovic lands a trademark return and Alcaraz nets on the backhand while off-balance! 0-40, three break points.
And three set points: Djokovic only needs one! He steps in and punishes the Alcaraz second serve, flashing the return winner down the line.
WE ARE LEVEL! Djokovic fights on.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-5 Novak Djokovic
11:59
,
Jamie Braidwood
Winner! Stunning start from Alcaraz as he curls the forehand winner down the line, with Djokovic stranded at the net.
But there is an interruption as a ball-kid has to clean up the court - not completely sure why but there is a suggestion a bird may have left something after flying overhead.
From 0-15, Djokovic puts the forehand into the on-rushing Alcaraz’s feet, and then controls the rally to put the overhead away.
Alcaraz flashes the backhand an inch wide. A superb hold from Djokovic from 0-15 down.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-4 Novak Djokovic*
11:57
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic hops on his right leg after missing another forehand on the run. Alcaraz finds his fifth ace of the match and holds when Djokovic finds the net with a drop shot.
A must-hold game coming up for Djokovic in a must-win set.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 3-4 Novak Djokovic
11:53
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic quickly gets a 40-0 lead on serve but then catches the net-cord, as Alcaraz pops the volley over. A forehand miss from Djokovic forces him to dig deep again on 40-30.
But Djokovic holds his nerve over an overhead and puts it past Alcaraz. 4-3.
