After incredible Australian Open quarterfinal Novak pushed himself through the pain on Tuesday at the Australian Open to beat Alcaraz and keep his chances of landing a record 25th major. Djokovic lost the first set to the third-seeded Spaniard despite having his left thigh heavily strapped but turned things around quickly to advance to his 12th semifinal in Melbourne.
“I wish this match today was the final. One of the most epic matches I’ve played on this court, any court really,” – Djokovic said during his post-match interview.
Ten-time Melbourne champion fights back to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in 3 hours, 37 minutes and sent himself into the semifinals against Alexander Zverev, who defeats Tommy Paul in four sets to reach his ninth major semi-final. Only Novak Djokovic (13 times) has reached more Slam semi-finals than the second seed of the Tournament since 2020.
Sinner demolished home favourite Alex de Minaur in straight sets in the quarter-finals. The 23-year-old will face American Ben Shelton, who defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4). Two years ago, a 20-year-old Ben Shelton became the youngest American man to reach the semifinals of the US Open since Michael Chang in 1992. Now, the big-serving lefty has become the youngest American man to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open since Andy Roddick in 2003!
In the women’s draw, the semi-final line-up is complete – Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are the favourites to win the title at Melbourne Park. World No 1 Sabalenka is attempting to become the first woman since Martina Hingis 26 years ago to complete a ‘three-peat’ at the hard-court grand slam.
The Pole has dropped just 14 games so far in five matches – including a straight sets victory over Emma Raducanu in the third round – a feat bettered under the current format by only Steffi Graf, Maria Sharapova and Monica Seles.
Paula Badosa stuns Coco Gauff to reach Australian Open semifinals against Sabalenka.
Madison Keys, who defeated No. 28 Elina Svitolina, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 is one of the few players who can match Iga Swiatek from the baseline. The American both has the movement and the firepower necessary to beat Swiatek at her own game. Keys is more adaptable than the Pole under pressure. It will take her absolute best to win this game against Iga Swiatek.