Novak Djokovic finds himself in yet another Australian Open semi-final after a stunning win over Carlos Alcaraz.
Mats Wilander thought Djokovic could beat Alcaraz, and that is exactly what happened between the two former ATP number ones.
Djokovic, 37, used all of his experience to grind out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over 21-year-old Alcaraz in Melbourne.
Alcaraz labelled Djokovic ‘unbelievable’ in the build-up to their reunion, in which the Serbian recovered from a set down to emerge victorious.
The veteran is currently chasing a 100th ATP Tour title at the Australian Open, along with a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic experiences ‘curious’ Australian Open crowd in win vs Carlos Alcaraz
He has, however, now admitted that the physical stress he suffered against Alcaraz almost brought an abrupt end to his tournament, as well as issuing his verdict on the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
Sharing his immediate thoughts post-match, Djokovic said on Eurosport: “I wanted that. We both feed off the energy of the crowd.
“But I think the crowd was a bit curious and hesitant to cheer for one player or the other. They didn’t know what was happening, they saw I wasn’t moving as well and maybe they were expecting I was going to retire.
“I have to admit I was considering that. I didn’t know how I was going to react. The first four or five games of the second set were the worst. But, look, it was a great win and I am very proud of this performance.”
Annabel Croft praises ‘jaw-dropping’ Novak Djokovic display against Carlos Alcaraz
Djokovic was visibly struggling in the early stages of his latest epic encounter with Alcaraz, with a medical time out taking in the first set.
But the problem was quickly put to one side as the 10-time Australian Open champion bounced back from an opening set defeat to win the next three.
He has now won their last two ATP meetings, with another rival in Alexander Zverev now awaiting in the semi-final.
The Serbian will be fatigued but full of confidence for that final-four battle, having really left his mark on former British number one Annabel Croft against Alcaraz.
“I really hope that people start to give Novak Djokovic the respect that he deserves, not just because of his achievements as a tennis player but also as an all-round athlete,” she said on BBC Radio 5 Live during the match.
“What he is doing in sport right now is just jaw-dropping. He is so utterly professional, so dedicated to what he is trying to achieve and I have nothing but admiration for his strength and character.”
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