\n<\/p>\n
For so many years, Djokovic has defied the ageing process with his endurance and dexterity.<\/p>\n
This was the latest example \u2013 at a time when few had predicted it.<\/p>\n
Time, it seemed, had eventually started to catch up with a player who is aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s singles champion in history.<\/p>\n
Last year was the first since 2017 \u2013 and only the second since 2010 \u2013 that he did not win one of the sport’s four major prizes.<\/p>\n
Doubts had already been raised about his ability to outlast the very best of his younger opponents \u2013 namely Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner – over five sets.<\/p>\n
His aura of invincibility at Melbourne Park was damaged last year when Sinner dominated their semi-final to end his 33-match winning streak at the venue.<\/p>\n
Then Alcaraz walloped him in the Wimbledon final \u2013 albeit in a match that came less than six weeks after Djokovic had surgery on a tear in his knee.<\/p>\n
However, Djokovic won his last encounter with Alcaraz, putting in a ferocious display at the Olympics to claim a gold medal which had previously eluded him.<\/p>\n
A more patient approach in the first set on Tuesday was quickly replaced after he tweaked something lunging for a drop-shot.<\/p>\n
Employing more aggression was a risk-reward strategy but necessary given his physical condition. It paid off.<\/p>\n
Djokovic cracked 11 winners, including a rasping backhand on set point to level the match, as he successfully negotiated his way through a barrage of Alcaraz drop-shots.<\/p>\n
Alcaraz’s service games at the start of the third set continued to come under heavy fire. He buckled when Djokovic broke for 4-2, with the third seed losing serve again for 5-3 after he had seemingly rescued the situation.<\/p>\n
Djokovic used the momentum to break in the first game of the fourth set – which ultimately proved decisive.<\/p>\n
After surviving three break points and recovering from a host of long, energy-sapping points, Djokovic held his nerve to serve out a memorable win.<\/p>\n
On being ready to play again on Friday, he said: “I’m concerned physically but if I can somehow manage to be physically ready, I’m mentally and emotionally as ready as I can be.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n