Novak Djokovic Beats Carlos Alcaraz In Australian Open Blockbuster As Aryna Sabalenka Survives

A vintage Novak Djokovic tamed Carlos Alcaraz in a late-night blockbuster to set up anAustralianOpensemi-final with Alexander Zverev as two-time women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka fought on.

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 centre 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.