- Djokovic, 37, surprised third seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals
- He will have to go where no one has gone before to win his eleventh title.
If Novak Djokovic manages to win the Australian Open this year, it will be a record-breaking feat for several reasons.
The Serbian superstar, 37, will stand alone in the sport with 25 Grand Slam titles to his name, an achievement that may never be broken.
Australian Margaret Court also has 24 majors to her name, one ahead of tennis legend Serena Williams.
Rafael Nadal won 22 Slams before retiring last year, two more than Swiss maestro Roger Federer.
And if Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev in his semifinal and then Jannik Sinner in the final (provided the Italian wins his next two matches), it will be the first time in the history of men's tennis that a player defeats the top three heads of series to raise the title. a grand slam trophy.
He follows surprising third seed Djokovic and the much-loved Carlos Alcaraz in four sets on Tuesday night.
If Novak Djokovic manages to win the Australian Open this year, it will be a record-breaking feat for several reasons.
The Serbian superstar, 37, will be alone in the sport with 25 career Grand Slam titles (pictured after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarterfinals).
Tennis fan Iain Macleod pointed out the enormous task that awaits Djokovic at Melbourne Park
German tennis great Steffi Graf accomplished an impressive feat at the 1999 French Open when she defeated Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis to win the title.
Djokovic will have to work hard if he wants to take part in the men's singles final on Australia Day.
Against Alcaraz, Djokovic had his left thigh heavily taped and spent much of the second set limping between points.
Being able to level the game in the second set proved crucial, as the 10-time Australian Grand Slam winner admitted after the match.
“The medication started to take effect and helped,” Djokovic told reporters.
“To be honest, if I had lost that second set, I don't know if I would have continued playing.”
Djokovic is known for his ability to overcome injury setbacks, as he did while battling a wrist ailment at last year's Australian Open before falling to Sinner in their semifinal.
At the Rod Laver Arena, the Serbian managed to challenge a 16-year age difference with Alcaraz and is now closing in on a possible 11th place finish. Australian Open qualification.
Djokovic also conducted an on-court interview with Channel Nine's Jim Courier after infamously boycotting the broadcaster following the furore over Tony Jones' taunting in a live crossover on January 17.
“I just wish this match today was a final,” Djokovic told the crowd after the victory.
“One of the most epic games I've ever played on this court – on any court, really.”