Novak Djokovic has moved one step closer in his quest for an 11th Australian Open title. The Serbian tennis star defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal to move into the semifinal. The scoreline read 4-6, 6-4,6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic will not have an easy outing in the next round as he will face Alexander Zverev in the last four. The 37 year old later said he hoped this match was the final. As quoted by the Associated Press, “I just wish that this match today was the final.

“One of the most epic matches I’ve played on this court. On any court.”

On Friday, Djokovic’s 50th major semifinal will come against No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev, a two-time runner-up at majors who beat No. 12 Tommy Paul 7-6 (1), 7-6 (0), 2-6, 6-1. The other men’s quarterfinals are Wednesday: No. 1 Jannik Sinner vs. No. 8 Alex de Minaur, and No. 21 Ben Shelton against unseeded Lorenzo Sonego.

Djokovic struggled in the first set as he pulled up at the end of an intense rally. He had to take a medical timeout as the match resumed Alcaraz took control and Djokovic conceded the first set. Despite being in pain, Djokovic was in his signature best and commanded the whole court in his usual style. He forced himself inside the baseline and attacked his Spanish compatriot with some attacking and powerful tennis.

Djokovic is just now two steps away from a record-breaking 25th grand slam title. The Serbian has reinvented himself lately and will definitely seize his chance against the third seed Zverev who earlier defeated Tommy Paul 7-6 (1), 7-6 (0), 2-6, 6-1 to secure a place in the last four.

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