Novak Djokovic is into the Australian Open semi-finals after pulling off a spectacular comeback.
The sport was not with out controversy after tennis icon John McEnroe spoke on the Serbian’s acquainted thoughts video games.
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Djokovic pulled off an enormous upset in his comeback win in opposition to Alcaraz – after dropping the primary set 4-6, the Serbian received the following three 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and secured his place within the semi-finals.
It was a match the Serbian shouldn’t have received, the 37-year-old was limping round Rod Laver Area at 4-4 within the first set after struggling a groin difficulty.
A medical timeout at 5-4 earlier than dropping the set 6-4, it was the 2024 Wimbledon closing over again for the Serbian, the place he misplaced in straight units to Alcaraz.
However the wily veteran defied age as soon as once more to get better and impressively win the following three units and match.
His victory raised some controversy as McEnroe, who was commentating on the sport for Australian broadcaster Channel 9, took difficulty with Djokovic’s timeout.
The world No. 7 was seen pulling up on his leg and grimacing through the first set earlier than strolling off with the physio.
The American wasn’t satisfied and instructed Alcaraz to not be ‘fooled’ by Djokovic.
“This isn’t the primary time we’ve seen this routine,” the three-time Wimbledon champion mentioned earlier than including: “Don’t be fooled.”
The sport noticed much more drama when Alcaraz was booed at 3-1 down through the second set after difficult the umpire over a let name.
The third seed by no means appeared to get better, with Djokovic taking part in aggressively till the ache wore off as he took management of the match.
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The 21-year-old turned animated, as he served and forehand collapsed in a recreation he was cruising in after the primary set.
The sport would finish at 00:57 native time after the match lasting three hours and 38 minutes.
Carlos Alcaraz weighed in on Djokovic’s damage comeback after the Serbian confirmed no indicators of battle to win three consecutive units.
“I feel everyone noticed within the second set he is struggling slightly bit to shifting. I . Then the third and fourth set, I did not see something unhealthy from him. So I am not saying, like, he made a present,” the Spaniard mentioned.
“I simply saying that, I do not know. It is apparent and everyone noticed it that he is struggling within the second set. Then the third and fourth set he confirmed he was actually good.”
Andy Murray sat within the field and breathed a sigh of reduction after the win as Djokovic roared on the Brit earlier than shortly giving a heat embrace to Alcaraz on the web.
The Spaniard was given one other heat hug after Murray noticed the world No.3 within the fitness center, going over to him and consoling him after his devastating loss.
The dream of a Profession Slam at 21 is over for Alcaraz, the third seed hoped to interrupt Rafael Nadal’s document of being the youngest man to attain the feat.
Whereas the four-time Grand Slam champion could have two extra alternatives to beat the document, Jannik Sinner continues to dominate the laborious courts on tour.
The Italian has received the final two hard-court majors on tour and is the clear favorite to defend his Australian Open title this 12 months.
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In fact, one man in his manner is Djokovic, the Serbian is bidding to win a record-extending eleventh title in Melbourne.
Sinner and the 24-time Grand Slam winner may meet within the closing in a conflict that may be a repeat of the 2024 Australian Open semi-final.
Alcaraz will head to the Center East for the final hard-court swing earlier than the clay-court season kicks off in Might.
Djokovic will put together for his semi-final conflict which shall be in opposition to German second seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.