Novak Djokovic is on the verge of winning a record 25th Grand Slam title after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open Tuesday.
The grueling match between one of the sport’s most iconic players and one of its rising stars lasted more than three and a half hours into the early hours of the morning. Djokovic, who advanced to his 12th appearance in the semi-finals in Melbourne, said he felt the match deserved a final.
Novak Djokovic, pictured here, plays a backhand to Carlos Alcaraz during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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“I just wish today was the final,” he said after his 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory. “One of the most epic matches I have played on this pitch. On any pitch.”
Despite the 16-year age gap, the match between Djokovic and Alcaraz » now recalls the matches played between the “Big Three”.
“Carlos brings so much energy and intensity to the court and always demands the best from his opponent so that their opponent has a chance to win against him,” Djokovic said after the match.
Novak Djokovic, right, is congratulated by Carlos Alcaraz after their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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“I’m sure we’re going to see a lot of him,” he added. “Maybe not as much as I would like.”
At just 21 years old, Alcaraz is already a four-time Grand Slam champion. However, Djokovic, who must be considered in the twilight of his career at age 37, is poised to create even more history.
His 10 Australian Open titles are more than any male tennis player. No one has won more Grand Slams than him with 24, and a victory in Melbourne would push that record beyond that.
Novak Djokovic, pictured here, celebrates after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in his quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, early Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Djokovic will face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.
