Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic triumphed in a thrilling generational showdown against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, advancing to the semifinals as he continues his quest for an 11th Australian Open title. He will face Alexander Zverev in the semi-final.

Djokovic, aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam crown, overcame the 21-year-old Spaniard 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, despite playing with his left thigh heavily strapped.

He had brushed past 24th seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) at the Australian Open on Sunday to secure berth in the quarterfinals.  

Djokovic, who is bidding for his record-extending 25th major, took two-hour and 39-minute to seal the victory over the Czech player at the Rod Laver Arena. With the win on Sunday, the Serbian great has equalled Swiss legend Roger Federer’s record of reaching 15 men’s singles quarterfinals at the hard-court major.

The Serb is bidding to become the oldest player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title, a record that currently belongs to Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open at the age of 37 years and 62 days. At the end of this Melbourne fortnight, Djokovic will be 37 years and 249 days old.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, was bidding to become the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam in men's singles history. In a tournament that has been dominated by youth, the 21-year-old Alcaraz could have become the youngest champion at the hard-court major since Novak Djokovic (20) in 2008.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)