Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic stages spectacular comeback to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in quarterfinal
Xtra Time Web Desk: Novak Djokovic showcased his legendary resilience as he overcame Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling Australian Open quarterfinal. Despite losing the first set 4-6, the Serbian maestro bounced back with three consecutive sets – 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 – to secure his place in the semifinals. This victory extends Djokovic's lead over the young Spaniard and reinforces his dominance on the court.
The match began with Alcaraz gaining an early advantage, claiming the opening set after firing a blistering 190 km/h ace that left Djokovic no room for a return. Even with his groin taped following a medical timeout, Djokovic dug deep, leveling the match by winning the second set. The 37-year-old displayed exceptional court coverage and precision, pushing Alcaraz into making unforced errors and capitalizing on critical moments to seal the next two sets.
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He's built different. ????
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
Novak Djokovic prevails in a thrilling four-set quarterfinal encounter against Carlos Alcaraz! ????@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/zRtEHAbJlA
Alcaraz, the third seed and a four-time Grand Slam champion, struggled to maintain his momentum in the third set. Djokovic, despite battling discomfort, demonstrated his trademark grit and shot-making ability, keeping the pressure on his younger opponent.
Reflecting on the clash, Alcaraz remarked on Djokovic's incredible physical condition, saying, "When we are seeing him playing, he seems like he's young again, it's unbelievable. He's in really good shape." Djokovic acknowledged the intensity of their encounters, comparing them to his classic battles with Rafael Nadal, and added, "We had some long battles, long exchanges. The kind of matches that I played against him remind me of my match-ups versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court."
Lovely words, Nole ????
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
Total respect between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz ????#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/Ud0mFjkMzc
You're on the clock, Novak ????
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
Tara Djokovic's reaction to her Dad's late-night match is priceless ????️#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/QqBKcAWi5h
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This victory marks a crucial milestone for Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. While the Serbian has faced some challenges in Melbourne this year, including a four-set opener and a tense round of 16 clash, his determination remains unmatched.
As Djokovic marches forward in his quest for an 11th Australian Open title, Alcaraz must wait another year for his breakthrough on this stage, having exited at the quarterfinals for the second consecutive time.
