Alcaraz collided with a memorable Djokovic at the Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz21 years old and world No. 3, will continue to be insisted on in subsequent editions. He continues to nail the unfinished business of Melbourne Park. This is the missing icing on his Grand Slam cake. Two-time champion of Wimbledon (2023 and 2024) and once at the US Open (2022) and Roland Garros (2024), he has hopes of completing the full season.

He crashed again in the quarterfinal round. If in 2023 a forceful Alexander Zverev in 2024 he fell against the king of the Australian Open, an unforgettable one Novak Djokovicmore of a legend after that demonstration. At 37 years old he never ceases to surprise. While the cheetah is quiet these days, at the crucial moment he revealed a great talent to stop the push of the Murcian.

Amazing Djokovic, in Olympic champion mode. They haven’t met since the Serbian took gold from the Spaniard at Roland Garros. It’s another battle of emotions, strategies and blows of all power, direction and diversity. A wonderful sport.

The expert and veteran, the ten-time champion of the Australian Open and did not give up on breaking the record for most Grand Slam titles, won. Divide the number by 24 in Australian Margaret Courtwas zero in the previous campaign. He didn’t give up. On the contrary, he sought the Scottish Andy Murray as the new coach, another incentive to stay in the fight.

The irony is that it has been overcome Carlos Alcaraz It doesn’t allow you to celebrate it too much. They are used to measuring themselves in the finals, only the quarterfinals, there is a long, hard road to the trophy. Novak Djokovic ranked seventh in the world, he defeated Alcaraz for the fifth time in eight meetings, with a total of 3-0 on hard court. It is imposed by 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 and 6-4 in 3h.37′.

On Friday, in his twelfth semi-final at Melbourne Park, his 50th at a Grand Slam, he will face another serious candidate, the German. Alexander Zverev 27 years old and number 2, American executioner Tommy Paul. Alcaraz will have little desire to see him, no matter how much he loves the sport and watches his opponents carefully. He will be angry because, as a competitive animal, the only thing he needs to do is win.

Details matter. And in the decisive points, the one who shines on this occasion is Djokovic. He chose the moments, he didn’t give anything away. Not even in the second set where he seemed to doubt his physical condition, after having his left thigh bandaged. Quietly, he put the situation to bed to deliver an unexpected blow that allowed him to tie at one set. In both, the Balkan was first, the Spaniard eventually recovered, although he did not close the comeback in this second round.

The majestic Djokovic appeared, occupying every corner of the court. The serve helps, pressing others as much as possible. A wall at 37 years old. More electric and powerful in hitting Alcaraz, also a bit inconsistent, made some mistakes that gave the opponent wind.

Alcaraz nothing left. On the edge of the cliff, with 2-4 and a break point for 2-5 and Djokovic serving for the match, the student of Juan Carlos Ferrero showed the capacity to survive that is not often, also against Djokovic, allowed him to turn completely around in a fight where they were about to lose.

There are 33 very punishing blows because of its efficiency and necessity. Until Djokovic failed, giving courage to Alcaraz, who celebrated in public, who spoke to his box. A reason to believe. They both doubled over from the effort. But it was worth more for the Murcian, who became empowered. He tried again, he had two balls for 4-4, regained parity. He was denied by a massive Djokovic, who had an answer for everything.

A great show, from both of them, that ended at one in the morning. Every time they meet there is a spark on the track. Djokovic was better when he played. Alcaraz changed how he threw the ball and hit it on the serve, loading the neck of his racquet with five more grams. He understands it better, it is a job for today and also for tomorrow, to continue in search of Grand Slam trophies. There are many good things left. Alcaraz always knows how to learn from defeats and react.