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In a stunning display of resilience, Novak Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling Australian Open quarter-final. The 37-year-old Serbian battled through injury, age, and a lower ranking to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over his 21-year-old opponent in Melbourne, advancing to the semi-finals.
"It was possibly one of the best matches of the tournament on the men's side," said Djokovic.
"It felt like a final of a Slam and I wish it was. We both gave it our all."
Djokovic, going for a record-extending 11th men's singles title, limped around Rod Laver Arena at the end of the first set with a problem in his upper left leg. But, after going off court for treatment, he recovered impressively to continue his bid for a 25th Grand Slam triumph - which would be an all-time record.
Djokovic played aggressively until the pain wore off, which then allowed him to move more freely and take control.
Spanish third seed Alcaraz became increasingly animated as he struggled to figure out how to turn an engrossing contest back in his favour.
When seventh seed Djokovic sealed victory - at 00:57 local time after a battle lasting three hours and 38 minutes - he roared towards coach Andy Murray.
Djokovic and Alcaraz shared a warm embrace at the net after a highly-anticipated match which lived up to the expectation.
"When Novak plays at this level, it's really difficult. It was a really close match," said Alcaraz.
The defeat ended Alcaraz's hopes - for now, at least - of becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam. Instead it is Djokovic who advances to the semi-finals, where he will face German second seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.
For so many years, Djokovic has defied the ageing process with his endurance and dexterity. Time, it seemed, had eventually started to catch up with a player who is aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men's singles champion in history.
He said that he was concerned physically about being ready to play again on Friday, but that if he could somehow manage to be physically ready, he was as mentally and emotionally ready as he could be.
