A vintage Novak Djokovic tamed Carlos Alcaraz in a late-night blockbuster to set up an Australian Open semi-final with Alexander Zverev as two-time women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka fought on. The 37-year-old Djokovic rolled back the years at the scene of his greatest achievements on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 triumph sealed close to 1:00 am. The Serb surged into the semi-finals and a date with world number two Zverev to edge closer to an 11th Melbourne crown and all-time record 25th Slam title.
With former rival Andy Murray now in his coaching corner, Djokovic was at his imperious and defiant best, cupping his ear to the crowd after winning big points.
Djokovic was at the center of a row on Monday after he demanded an apology — and got one — from a local TV presenter for what he called “insulting and offensive comments”.
Spain's world number three Alcaraz will have to wait another year to get a kangaroo tattoo. He had vowed to get one if he won the Australian Open for the first time.
The 21-year-old four-time major champion has still never been beyond the Melbourne Park last eight.
Former number one Djokovic extended his career advantage over Alcaraz to 5-3, having also beaten him in the Paris Olympics final in their last meeting.
Alcaraz got the better of his rival in the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals.
In hot and windy conditions, Germany's Zverev defeated the American Tommy Paul 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6-1 to step up his quest to win a Grand Slam for the first time.
The 27-year-old lost his cool at one point — because of a feather.
The umpire called for a replay when the feather drifted in front of him as he played a shot at a critical juncture.
“C'mon, that is unbelievable on break point,” he shouted, before taking out his fury on Paul by breaking to love.
World number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner plays home hope Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals on Thursday, the winner facing American 21st seed Ben Shelton or the unseeded Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Sabalenka will face Paula Badosa in the last four as the Belarusian bids to win the Australian Open for a third time in a row, something last achieved 26 years ago by Martina Hingis.
The world number one kept that dream alive but had to battle for it in beating Russian 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 in the wind.
“Honestly I was just praying, trying to put the ball back in these tough conditions,” said Sabalenka.
“I'm just super happy I was able to somehow magically win this match.”
At 33, Pavlyuchenkova had been enjoying a late-career renaissance and was the oldest remaining woman in the draw.
Sabalenka next plays Badosa, the Spanish 11th seed who stunned world number three Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4.
Badosa is into her first Slam semi-final at the age of 27.
“I'm a bit emotional,” said Badosa. “I'm a very emotional person. I wanted to play my best game. I think I did it.”
It capped a remarkable comeback for the Spaniard, who was ranked outside the top 100 a year ago after a stress fracture in her back.
“I mean, a year ago, I was here with my back and I didn't know if I had to retire from this sport, and now I'm here playing against the best in the world,” said Badosa.
Third-seeded American Gauff, 20, described herself as “disappointed but not completely crushed” after her first defeat of 2025.
On Wednesday, Iga Swiatek will look to continue her march to a first Australian Open title when she faces Emma Navarro.
The winner plays Madison Keys or Elina Svitolina in the last four.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
Get up to:
115,000 INR +
500 FS for the 4 first deposits
New players only. Welcome Bonus: Get up to 115 000 INR + 500 FS for the first four deposits. In addition to the welcome bonus, Lopebet also offers a variety of other bonuses and promotions for Indian players. These include weekly reload bonuses, casino bonuses, and sports betting bonuses. You can find more information about all of Lopebet's bonuses and promotions on their website.
Get up to:
400% Bonus
Up to first ₹50,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: Always Regal also offers a 150% bonus up to ₹30,000 for live casino games. This bonus is subject to the same wagering requirement as the slot machine bonus./p>
Get up to:
200% Bonus
Up to first ₹10,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: Davegas also offers a 200% bonus up to ₹10,000 for live casino games. This bonus is subject to the same wagering requirement as the slot machine bonus.
Get up to:
200% Bonus
Up to first ₹100,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: The 200% bonus is credited immediately upon deposit. Bonus funds must be wagered 35x before any withdrawals. Maximum bonus amount is ₹100,000.
Get up to:
100% bonus up to ₹40,000
You can claim a 100% bonus up to ₹40,000 on your first deposit, plus 200 wager-free free spins on the popular slot game Book of Dead.
New players only. Welcome Bonus - Luckydreams Casino is offering a generous welcome bonus to new players from India. You can claim a 100% bonus up to ₹40,000 on your first deposit, plus 200 wager-free free spins on the popular slot game Book of Dead.
Get up to:
360% Bonus upto ₹16,000
welcome bonus of up to 360% on their first four deposits, up to ₹16,000.
New players only. Indian players can claim a welcome bonus of up to 360% on their first four deposits, up to ₹16,000!
Get up to:
100% Bonus
Up to first ₹50,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: bigboost also offers a 50% bonus up to ₹25,000 on 2nd deposit. This bonus is subject to the same wagering requirement as the slot machine bonus.
Bonus up to:
₹10,000
Welcome Package
* New customers only. can get a 100% match bonus up to ₹10,000 on their first deposit.
New players only. Welcome Bonus - 100% bonus on your first deposit up to ₹10000. IQ Pari offers a variety of bonuses and promotions to its Indian customers. These bonuses can help you boost your bankroll and increase your chances of winning. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming any bonus.
Get up to:
100% Bonus
on the first deposit
up to 20,000 INR
* New customers only.
New players only. Register with Megapari and receive a 100% bonus to the maximum amount of 20,000 INR on the first deposit!
Bonus up to:
₹25000
Welcome Package
* 125% match bonus up to ₹25,000 on your first deposit.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: 125% match bonus up to ₹25,000 on your first deposit, if you deposit within the first hour of registering. 250 free spins on the slot game Starburst, if you deposit Rs. 15 or more within the first hour of registering