Novak Djokovic overcomes Carlos Alcaraz to book Australian Open semi-final spot

Novak Djokovic proved himself the Melbourne Park master once again with an impressive late-night victory over young pretender Carlos Alcaraz.

The 10-time Australian Open champion is only two wins away from a record-breaking 25th grand slam title after a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 success completed at 12.57am.

A potential concern for Djokovic, who next plays second seed Alexander Zverev in what will be his 50th slam semi-final, is a left leg problem that required treatment during the opening set, but he seemed to improve physically as the match went on.

Alcaraz trailed 3-4 in the head-to-head and had lost their last meeting in the Olympic final, but he felt like a solid favourite on age, form and having defeated his rival in back-to-back Wimbledon deciders.

He had never beaten Djokovic on hard courts, though, nor made it past the quarter-finals in Melbourne, and the 37-year-old used all his experience of successful nights past on Rod Laver Arena to befuddle Alcaraz.

It took both men a bit of time to settle into the contest in cool, windy conditions.

Despite one incredible volley winner, Alcaraz dropped serve in the second game amid a slew of errors, only to break straight back, striking a backhand winner down the line.

The contest then ticked along routinely until the ninth game when, after a long rally at 15-15, Djokovic crouched down wincing and gave a little shake of the head towards his box.

He managed to save two break points but not a third and swiftly headed off court for a medical timeout.

He returned with strapping visible on his left thigh and Alcaraz served out the set, but Djokovic showed positive signs early in the second, taking the fight to his young opponent and opening up a 3-0 lead.

It was a scrappy contest, with some