Australian Open—Melbourne, Australia
Djokovic Defeats Alcaraz to Reach 2025 Australian Open Semifinals; Faces Zverev
Ten-time former winner and No. 7 seed Novak Djokovic produced another exceptional victory at the Australian Open on Tuesday, defeating No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
In a match that last three hours and 37 minutes, Djokovic proved why he is the greatest male player ever.
Overcoming a thigh injury in the first set, Djokovic hit 31 winners, broke serve on six occasions and added five aces to his victory.
Improving to 5-3 against Alcaraz in lifetime meetings, Djokovic will next face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the finals.
Operation Grand Slam No.25 continues.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/fg73Q5iGTl
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025
Zverev needed four sets to oust No. 12 seed Tommy Paul 7-6(1) 7-6(0) 2-6, 6-1 in three hours and 28 minutes.
Djokovic owns an 8-4 head-to-head lead against Zverev, which includes a 3-0 record in Grand Slam matches.
On Wednesday, top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner will face No. 8 seed Alex de Minuar and No. 21 seed Ben Shelton will face Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Sabalenka Two Wins Away From Three-Peat
Top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka needed three sets to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open on Tuesday, defeating No. 27 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.
Sabalenka struck three aces, won 65 percent of her first serve points, hit 29 winners and broke serve on six occasions during the one hour and 53 minute encounter.
The top seed will next face good friend and No. 11 seed Paula Badosa, who defeated No. 3 seed Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4.
Sabalenka leads Badosa 5-2 in head-to-head matches.
Wednesday’s action in Melbourne will feature No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek vs. No. 8 seed Emma Navarro and No. 19 seed Madison Keys taking on No. 28 seed Elina Svitolina.
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