By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Photo credit: ROLEX
Rod Laver Arena court was a historic crossroads.
A hobbled Novak Djokovic seemed to be nearing the end of the road when he delivered a remarkable rally to shatter Carlos Alcaraz’ major dream and continue his own.
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The 37-year-old Serbian superstar overcame an apparent hamstring or groin injury to out-duel Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a wild marathon match to advance to his 12th Australian Open semifinal.
It is the 50th major semifinal for Djokovic, who is playing to win a 100th career title, including a record-extending 25th Grand Slam championship.
Alcaraz told Tennis Now last month his primary goal for 2025 was to win the AO and complete the career Grand Slam.
Djokovic denied that dream, for now, but taught the 21-year-old Spaniard a lesson in tennis tenacity.
Alcaraz, who carried a 55-1 record when…
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