By Hamzah Amir Ahmed

Novak Djokovic is through to another semi-final after beating Carlos Alcaraz three sets to one – 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Heading into the match, the Serb has a slight edge in the duo’s head-to-head (4-3), with their previous meeting in the finals in the Paris Olympics.

It was Djokovic who broke out to an early lead capitalising on uncharacteristic errors from Alcaraz. But the 10-time Australian Open champion’s lead was short lived as Alcaraz broke back immediately with wonderful backhand up the line.

Both players would hold serve until the ninth game where Alcaraz raised his level to convert a break point and give him the opportunity to serve for the set.

But before Alcaraz could come out to serve, Djokovic took a medical timeout. While many players would be feeling the pressure, it was no problem for Alcaraz as he held serve to love to take the opening set.

Djokovic was quick out the blocks again as he got another early break. But the Serb was pegged back in the fifth game as Alcaraz got the set back on serve. As the set got closer to its climax, it was Djokovic’s game that grew and he broke Alcaraz’s serve to level the match at one set a piece.

Perhaps the most seesaw set in the match was the third. Both players suffered breaks of serve but despite the back and forth play, Djokovic, with all his years of experience at the top, broke at the key moment and took the set.

With the wind in his sails, Djokovic broke at the start of the set. Djokovic would cruise through his service games until the fourth game. Alcaraz, desperate to get back into the match, had a huge opportunity to get back on serve but Djokovic slammed the door shut. Djokovic’s stout defence would prevail again as Alcaraz was unable to convert his break points. At 5-4, Djokovic, having been in this position more than anyone else in the history of the sport, served out the match.

As the dust settled on another Djokovic – Alcaraz classic, coach Andy Murray couldn’t help but let out a huge sigh of relief knowing the magnitude of the victory.

Alcaraz’s bid to win the career grand slam will have to wait but, the former number one did share a nice moment with Murray after the match.

Djokovic and Murray’s work doesn’t get any easier as they now take on an in-form Alexander Zverev on Friday in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.