Tennis news: Novak Djokovic nearly forfeited during medical timeout in win over Carlos Alcaraz
Ten-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic defied the critics to defeat world number three Carlos Alcaraz in four sets on Tuesday.
The Serbian also overcame early knee trouble in a performance that further cemented his status as one of tennis's all-time greats.
Sports News Blitz’s Joe Matthews reflects on Djokovic’s difficult, yet victorious day.
Djokovic contemplates forfeiting amid injury scare
Despite losing the first set, Djokovic shook off early knee pain to stage a dramatic fightback against his Spanish counterpart, displaying some of the finest shot selection yet seen in this tournament.
It was during a second-set medical timeout that the Serb contemplated not finishing the match.
He said: “If I lost the set I didn't know if I was going to continue playing. But the medication really helped and I managed to keep going.”
Not wanting to reveal the extent of his potential injury, he told Jim Courier during the on-court interview: “When the medication wears off, I will see what the reality is in the morning.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: F1 news: A new era begins - Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari dream
Alcaraz’s frustration and the crowd’s reaction
In the second set, frustration seemed to creep into Alcaraz's game, particularly after a service let call by umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore sparked complaints that her decision was influenced by the behaviour of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
It was an unpopular moment in the eyes of the crowd, bringing about boos, and pushing momentum more in favour of Djokovic.
The Rod Laver Arena crowd continued to be brought to their feet by outstanding rallies, and hay-maker shots coming from both ends of the court, but it was Novak who got the better of the moment.
He also went on to say: “I wish this match today was the final. I’m sure Sascha [Zverez] and his team are watching.”
He added with a laugh, “We have an agreement that whenever I play him [Zverev] in a Grand Slam he lets me win!”
Alexander “Sascha” Zverez is the world-ranked number two player, and their semi-final will take place on Friday, January 24.
The 3-hour and 37-minute battle showcased high-octane tennis which saw the master school the rising star to reach his 50th Grand Slam semi-final.
READ NEXT: Horse racing news: Cheltenham alternatives - Britain’s cheapest racecourses
