Novak Djokovic downed Carlos Alcaraz Novak Djokovic downed Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic celebrated coming out on top in an "epic" contest with Carlos Alcaraz, which he just wished would have been a final. (More Tennis News)

Djokovic progressed to the Australian Open semi-finals with a resilient 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory at Rod Laver Arena.

The Serbian great, who is hunting a record-breaking 25th grand slam title, had to recover from an injury he suffered in the first set, which Alcaraz clinched shortly after Djokovic's medical timeout.

But 10-time Australian Open champion Djokovic clicked through the gears to play his best tennis of the tournament and set up a semi-final against world number two Alexander Zverev.

This was the eighth meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz, but their first before the semi-finals of any event.

Australian Open: Resilient Novak Djokovic Overpowers Carlos Alcaraz In Epic Quarter-final

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And Djokovic believes the three-hour, 37-minute clash would have been fitting of a grand slam final.

"I want to give my utmost respect for Carlos for everything he stands for and all he has achieved so far in his young career, what a terrific guy he is, and an even better competitor," Djokovic said.

"The youngest ever number one in the history of our sport – four grand slam titles, I'm sure we’re going to see a lot of him. He's going to be there for sure, longer than me. I just wish this match was a final.

"One of the most epic matches I've played on this court – on any court."

50 - Novak Djokovic has reached a 50th Singles semi-final at Grand Slam events, becoming the first male in the Open Era to achieve the feat and the second male or female after Chris Evert (52). Ever-present.#AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/PmKN3FbICC

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Djokovic is now level with Jimmy Connors (91.67%) for the best men's singles winning percentage at the Australian Open in the Open Era (minimum 10 matches played), while he is also into his 12th semi-final at the major. Only Roger Federer (15) has reached the last four on more occasions at Melbourne Park.

The 37-year-old, who embraced his coach Andy Murray after sealing the victory on the first match point, said he might have considered withdrawing due to injury, had he lost the second set.

"The medication started to kick in and it helped, no doubt. I had to take another dose. I know that sounds awful, but I had to," Djokovic added.

"If I'd lost the second set, I don't know if I'd have continued playing, but I felt better and better, I managed to play a great couple of games at the end of the second set. Carlos was a bit hesitant, and I took my chances, started to feel better, move better, it didn't bother me towards the end of the match.

"When the medication wears off, I’ll see what the reality is."

99* not out@DjokerNole claims his 99th win at the Australian Open #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/LUGDQ0AsAD

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Djokovic struggled with a hamstring injury when he won the title in Melbourne in 2023, but he suggested playing through pain brings an element of freedom.

He said: "Honestly, sometimes it helps, it definitely helped in the second and third set. We are so nervous on the court, there's a lot happening, you're going through emotional turmoil, you're up and down, any point can shift the momentum, especially against a champion like Carlos.

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"You've got to come out and be at your best. But it does help mentally, because you start to play more aggressively. I guess that's going to be necessary for me when I play Zverev."

Djokovic, who is now on 99 Australian Open match wins, holds an 8-3 winning record against Zverev, who he has beaten in all three of their grand slam meetings.

"Hopefully I can come out and play at my best, he is playing unbelievable tennis at the moment," said Djokovic with a smile.

"But we have an agreementwinzir, as long as we play, he's going to let me win grand slam matches!"