AO2025: Djokovic knocks out Alcaraz in clash of Titans , to meet Zverev in SF , Badosa advances

 


Novak Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the Australian Open quarterfinals, securing a semifinal clash with second seed Alexander Zverev.

Despite playing with heavy strapping on his left thigh, the 10-time Australian Open champion overcame the third-seeded Spaniard in a thrilling three-hour-and-37-minute encounter on Tuesday. With this victory, the 37-year-old Serb advanced to his 12th semifinal in Melbourne and extended his record for most Grand Slam semifinal appearances to 50, surpassing Roger Federer by four. Djokovic is now just two wins away from claiming a historic 25th Grand Slam title.

In the semifinals, he will face Zverev, who reached this stage for the second consecutive year following a hard-fought 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6-1 victory over American 12th seed Tommy Paul.

The quarterfinal between Djokovic and Alcaraz began with the Serb seizing an early break, only for the Spaniard to respond immediately with a brilliant backhand down the line. Djokovic struggled to maintain momentum, eventually losing the first set after a medical timeout. However, he roared back in the second set, breaking early for a 3-0 lead. Though Alcaraz momentarily leveled, Djokovic regained control to level the match.



The intense third set saw both players exchange breaks, with Djokovic taking a crucial 5-3 lead before serving out the set. With all the momentum on his side, Djokovic broke early in the fourth set and produced dazzling tennis to seal the victory, celebrating with his family in the stands.

Meanwhile, Zverev survived a dramatic contest against Paul to reach his third Australian Open semifinal. The German saved set points in each of the first two sets and capitalized on his opponent’s late errors to claim consecutive tiebreaks. After dropping the third set, Zverev rallied in the fourth to secure victory, demonstrating his resilience throughout the topsy-turvy match.

On the women’s side, Paula Badosa reached her first Grand Slam semifinal with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over World No. 3 Coco Gauff. The 27-year-old Spaniard, named 2024’s Comeback Player of the Year after overcoming a career-threatening back injury, showed grit and determination to secure the win in 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Badosa broke serve at a critical moment late in the first set and never trailed from there, handing Gauff her first loss of the season. Previously 0-2 in Grand Slam quarterfinals, Badosa’s victory marked a major milestone in her career and solidified her remarkable return to form.


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