Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz, reaches Australian Open semifinal

Novak Djokovic is two wins away from a record 25th major and 11th Australian Open title, but it didn't look that way early in his quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.

A few games before dropping the first set, the Serb needed a medical timeout and it seemed like the writing was on the wall for the 37-year-old against an opponent 16 years younger. 

In the second set, though, Djokovic upped his aggression with his volleys and drop shots while converting on an uncharacteristic 8-of-13 net points. The change of strategy caught Alcaraz by surprise, forcing the Spaniard to alter his game plan and focus more on defense. However, he seemed to have few answers for Djokovic, who converted an incredible 15-of-36 of his returns and won 89 percent of his second-serve points.

It was the same story in the third set as Djokovic again won 5-of-7 net points and 15-of-30 returns. The 21-year-old Alcaraz showed his inexperience with 11 unforced errors, a few of which were so crippling that it cost him a break of serve after being up 40-15. 

In the fourth set, Alcaraz regained his mojo with a few of his trademark inside-out winners. Down 3-4, he had the golden opportunity to win back a break when he jumped out to a 40-15 lead. Once again, Djokovic — arguably the most clutch performer in tennis history — pulled out all the stops to hold serve and survive Alcaraz's onslaught. 

Djokovic prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to set up a semifinal clash against World No. 3 Alexander Zverev. The 37-year-old icon will be in the final four at Melbourne Park for the 12th time in his illustrious career. Over the last decade, the 10-time winner has never reached this deep into the Australian major and failed to lift the trophy.