Spain’s Alcaraz, 22, was tested by 24-time major champion Djokovic but had enough quality and energy to win 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in Friday’s first men’s semi-final.

The margins were fine in the first two sets, with Alcaraz rarely near his free-flowing best, but the gap widened as Serbia’s Djokovic faded physically early in the third.

Two weary double faults from Djokovic hurried his opponent into a 3-1 lead and another teed up a first match point for Alcaraz – on which Djokovic batted a volley wide.

Seventh seed Djokovic hung over the net as he waited to congratulate Alcaraz, before waving to all corners of Arthur Ashe Stadium as he departed.

Alcaraz, the 2022 champion, will play either Italian top seed Jannik Sinner and Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in Sunday’s final.

“Being in the final again feels amazing – it means a lot to me,” said Alcaraz.

“It wasn’t the best level of the tournament for me but I kept a cool head from the beginning and the last point.”

Fourth seed Fritz applied constant pressure to Djokovic’s serve, but the Serb fended off numerous break points and a hostile crowd en route to a 6-3 7-5 3-6 6-4 win.

Djokovic said he thought he was “lucky” at times, adding: “It was an incredibly close match, it was really anybody’s match.”

“I think for most of the second and third sets he was the better player.”

Djokovic now must overcome second seed Alcaraz if he is to reach the final and continue his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

The Spaniard – 16 years Djokovic’s junior – earned his spot in the last four earlier on Tuesday when he raced to a 6-4 6-2 6-4 victory over Czech Jiri Lehecka.

The remaining men’s singles quarter-finals take place in New York on Wednesday, eighth seed Alex de Minaur facing Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime before world number one Jannik Sinner takes on fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti.

Alcaraz, together with Sinner, has become a dominant force of men’s tennis after the dominant era of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

With Federer and Nadal both retired, Djokovic is the only active member remaining from the iconic trio, and time is not on his side as he chases the 25th major that would take him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court.

But against Fritz, he showcased some of the resilience that has often defined his outstanding career.

Djokovic got off to a fast start as he broke Fritz’s opening service game on the way to a 3-0 lead, and – after missing a set point at 5-2 – the Serb fended off a Fritz fightback, saving five break points before eventually serving out the opener.

Fritz continued to threaten in the second set, but he grew increasingly frustrated as he squandered opportunities before Djokovic pounced to go 4-3 up.

But, just as Djokovic was serving for a two-set lead, the Californian finally converted his first break point – at the 11th time of asking.

However, he dropped three double faults and an unforced error in the next game and Djokovic then made no mistake in closing out the set.

The atmosphere became somewhat hostile in the third set, when Djokovic complained to the umpire about spectators shouting out during his serve.

Sensing his irritation, some of the crowd started jeering the four-time winner, while their cheers for home hope Fritz grew even louder as the 27-year-old took advantage of the disruption to break for a 4-1 lead.

Djokovic regained his composure to work his way through the fourth set and he struck the decisive blow at 5-4, with a double fault from Fritz sealing his place in the last four after a gruelling three hours and 24 minutes.

“That last game was nerve-wracking, honestly tough one for Taylor to finish with a double fault, he didn’t deserve that,” Djokovic added.

“In many of my service games I was just trying to stay alive, fight for every ball.

“In this kind of match, key points decide the winner.”

‘I’m here to entertain’ – Alcaraz

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Carlos Alcaraz has won 59 matches in 2025

Alcaraz has defeated Djokovic in two Wimbledon finals, but Djokovic has been triumphant in their last two meetings – including at last summer’s Olympic final.

The five-time Grand Slam winner said he is “here to entertain” after his brilliant 6-4 6-2 6-4 display against Lehecka.

He displayed a laser-like focus throughout the match, but also found time for some showmanship during the victory as he thrilled the crowd with his astonishing repertoire of shot-making.

“Sometimes I play a shot that I should not play in that moment but it’s the way I love playing tennis,” Alcaraz, 22, told Sky Sports.

“I want to play solid, play well and play smart but at the same time when I have the opportunity to play a great shot – or a hot shot, let’s say – why not?

“I’m here to entertain the people, myself and the team.”

It is the third time Alcaraz, who won the US Open in 2022, has reached the semi-finals in New York.

He has reached the last four of a Grand Slam without dropping a set for the first time in his career – and is the youngest man to do so since Rafael Nadal at the 2008 French Open.

Despite twice receiving medical attention, the Serb rarely looked troubled as he raced to a dominant 6-3 6-3 6-2 victory in under two hours.

While the win was further evidence of Djokovic’s pedigree, questions still remain over the 38-year-old’s physical condition.

Djokovic is playing his first tournament since losing in the Wimbledon semi-finals in July, having skipped ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati.

He looked fatigued in his opening two matches in New York, while he struggled with a lower back injury in his third-round win over Britain’s Cameron Norrie.

Again, there were signs of wear and tear as he called for the physio to treat a neck issue and then a problem with his right forearm against German Struff.

However, the setbacks did not appear to harm his tennis as he dictated play with relentless hitting – firing 33 winners and 12 aces, with no double faults.

The world number seven highlighted his serve for keeping him out of trouble on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“It definitely helps if you serve well. I think I had a great serving performance in the last round and also tonight,” Djokovic said.

“I just saw the stats, I out-served one of the guys that had the most aces during the tournament this year, so that’s a great stat.

“Obviously that helps make my life easier on the court. Maybe I don’t need to work as hard or unnecessarily more than I have to.”

Djokovic will face American home hope Taylor Fritz in the last eight after the fourth seed claimed a commanding straight-set win over Czech Tomas Machac.

Djokovic wants quarter-final win for daughter’s birthday present

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Djokovic dedicates his violin celebration at the end of each win to his daughter Tara, who is learning how to play the instrument

Speaking about his upcoming quarter-final, Djokovic said his daughter Tara was displeased it will take place on the same day as her birthday.

“She was not very happy about it, me being absent from the birthday party. Don’t remind me of that, please,” said Djokovic, who dedicates his violin celebration to his daughter at the end of each win.

“I’ll try to win if I’m here. At least I’m going to try to win and give her that kind of present.

“I’m going to send some nice presents, as well, nice surprises for her birthday party.”

At 38 years and 94 days old, Djokovic became the oldest player in the Open era to reach the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slam events in a single season.

Asked about playing the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic said: “I don’t know how many more I am going to have so each one is very special.”

With time ticking down on his illustrious career, there is less room for error in his pursuit of a standalone record 25th major title.

He got off to the best of starts against Struff, racing to a 4-0 lead with a double break before his opponent made a first impression on the scoreboard.

Djokovic’s momentum slowed slightly as he seemed to struggle with his neck and he called for the physio immediately after coming through the opening set 6-3.

However, Djokovic carried on without real problems and, after a sluggish start to the second set, he won four games in a row to assert a two-set lead.

Once again, the four-time US Open winner received treatment at the end of the set – this time for a problem with his right forearm.

Whatever was bothering Djokovic appeared to have little impact on his play. After breaking early in the third set, he saw out the win with confidence to reach his 64th Grand Slam quarter-final in his 80th appearance.

Norrie has now lost all seven of his meetings with the 38-year-old Serb following a 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-3 defeat in New York.

The 30-year-old left-hander briefly moved ahead in the match when he broke at the start of the third set.

But Djokovic fought back to end British singles interest at the final major tournament of the season.

“I started great in the third set but maybe a little overconfident after breaking,” Norrie told BBC Sport.

“He settled into the match after that, competed well and was just too good in the end.”

Djokovic, who is bidding for a standalone record 25th major title, struggled with a lower back injury in the opening set and needed a medical time-out off the court.

The four-time US Open champion asked for more treatment early in the second set.

It is his first tournament since losing in the Wimbledon semi-finals in July – seven weeks ago.

“Coming into the match, you want to win in straight sets without any drama – but that’s not possible,” a smiling Djokovic said after a contest lasting almost three hours.

“My team wants me to suffer on the court so I can spend more minutes there. Looking from that perspective it is good.”

After showing signs of vulnerability in opening victories over teenager Learner Tien and qualifier Zachary Svajda, Djokovic produced his best level of the tournament against Norrie.

On his fitness, the seventh seed added: “You have some ups and downs but you don’t want to reveal too much to your rivals. I’m as young and as strong as ever.”

Norrie still has ‘much to smile about’

Pushing one of the all-time greats at a Grand Slam tournament is a measure of how far Norrie has come over the past several months.

After a chastening first-round exit at the Miami Open in March, Norrie flew home to Europe and had a deep think about the direction of his career.

The 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist was perilously close to dropping out of the world’s top 100, struggling to regain form and confidence following a forearm injury which disrupted his 2024 season.

A heart-to-heart with his team followed. The collective conclusion was the group needed to lighten up a little, vowing to enjoy life on tour more again.

Since then, Norrie has reached the French Open fourth round – where he lost to Djokovic – and the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Even another defeat by Djokovic did not leave him overly disappointed, given where he found himself earlier this year.

“It has been fun – I wouldn’t change anything in this tournament,” said Norrie.

“There is so much to smile about.”

Before the match, Norrie said he was “ready for anything” from Djokovic – including seeing him struggle with fitness issues before regaining his level.

That is exactly what happened on an entertaining night on Ashe.

Norrie wanted to turn the match into a physical contest, given Djokovic’s perceived vulnerabilities, but was unable to sustain his level.

“I wouldn’t change too much, I tried to play my brand of tennis, I tried to make it physical,” said Norrie.

“In the third and fourth sets I gave him too many cheap points and that was the difference.”

How Djokovic’s serve ‘makes things easier’

In the early part of his career, Djokovic’s serve was seen as one of the weaker parts of his game.

But it has developed into a potent weapon over the years, with the veteran knowing more than ever it needs to perfect to land another Grand Slam title.

Unable to rely as much on physicality against his younger opponents, Djokovic wants the accuracy of his opening shot to help limit the baseline rallies.

Djokovic used his serve to great effect against Norrie, who rued “getting nowhere it” in the opening set and a half.

Norrie won only two receiving points in the first set, while Djokovic ended with 18 aces – the most he has ever hit in a US Open match.

“Serving so well makes your life easier,” said Djokovic, who is the oldest man to reach fourth round since Jimmy Connors in 1991.

“It is probably the most important shot in the game. I’m glad how I executed it.”

It is a question hundreds of players have asked themselves over the past two decades – and many have never been able to answer it.

Cameron Norrie can count himself among that number.

The 29-year-old Briton goes into their US Open third-round meeting on Friday having lost all six of his previous meetings with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

With Djokovic looking flustered in his first two rounds in New York, Norrie hopes he can benefit from the effects of time on the 38-year-old Serb.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Novak Djokovic won his last Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open

“The chances are getting better as the years ago on – although not by much,” said Norrie, who is ranked 35th in the world.

“The level he brings and the competitiveness he brings is crazy. Every time I’ve played him he changes tactics and makes it difficult.

“I’m ready for anything – him playing unreal, or him not playing great and stopping the match for something, then playing good.”

Djokovic looked unsteady on his feet in humid conditions during his first-round win over Learner Tien and needed treatment for a blister on his toe.

Seventh seed Djokovic had not played for six weeks before the US Open and showed more signs of rustiness on Wednesday, dropping a set against American qualifier Zachary Svajda.

It is always dangerous to suggest Djokovic looks vulnerable, and Norrie is certainly wary.

But Norrie’s brand of tennis – trying to make things physical and drag Djokovic into an energy-sapping scrap – could be key if the former world number eight is to snap his losing streak against the Serb great.

“”I will have to beat him with physicality,” said Norrie, who showed his own survival instincts in a four-set battle against Argentina’s Francisco Comesana on Wednesday.

“I did see the blister but he’s the king of adversity. He fights and pushes through it.

“I’m not going to be a servebot and serve him off the court.”

Lopsided head-to-head records are not unusual against Djokovic, given he is widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of the game.

Take Gael Monfils. The 38-year-old French entertainer, a former world number six and one of the most talented shot-makers of his generation, has a 20-0 losing record against Djokovic – the worst head-to-head record in ATP Tour history.

Norrie, a laid-back character off the court, does not seem to become occupied by his poor record.

Instead he is continuing to focus on enjoying life on the tour – a vow he made to his team after reaching a crossroads in his career earlier this year.

Since then he has reached the French Open fourth round – where he lost to Djokovic – and the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

In New York, he has spent time “people watching” at regular dinners in the East Village neighbourhood as he bids for a deep US Open run.

“Focusing on enjoyment is what has worked for me,” Norrie added.

“I’m so happy to be with my team, enjoying New York and having a crack one of the best players in history.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Novak Djokovic first beat Gael Monfils at the 2005 US Open

The 38-year-old Serb, who earned a 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 win over American teenager Learner Tien, had not played since losing in the Wimbledon semi-finals in early July.

During the second set Djokovic’s level dropped considerably as he looked increasingly flustered and unsteady on his feet in a humid New York.

The 24-time major champion needed treatment for blisters on his toe after securing the second-set tie-break, but said the issue was not the reason behind his dip.

“I don’t have any injury or anything. I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points,” said Djokovic, who is seeded seventh.

“I haven’t played an official match in six weeks. I had to deliver my A-game, which I think I did in the first set.

“In the second, particularly, it was surviving on the court. In the important moments I just put one ball more in the court than he did.”

As Djokovic heads towards retirement, he has continued to scale back his schedule.

The former number one’s focus has been increasingly centred on the Grand Slam tournaments as he aims to land a standalone record 25th major title.

Djokovic skipped the ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati leading up to the US Open.

In his pre-tournament news conference, Djokovic made a frank admission that he does not “enjoy” the elongated format of the Masters tournaments, which have been stretched to two weeks over recent seasons.

But when it comes to the biggest prizes, his appetite to win Grand Slam tournaments remains undimmed.

Beating the precociously-talented Tien, who is ranked 50th in the world, was Djokovic’s 75th consecutive first-round win at a Grand Slam event – the first singles player to achieve the feat in the Open era to achieve the feat.

“I wish I had Learner’s age – but when you come to the late 30s it’s about learning how to preserve the energy for what matters,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

“I still have the flair, I still have the drive, and you guys give me the energy. Hopefully I can keep it going.”

Shelton & Fritz begin bids to end 22-year wait

American pair Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz cruised into the second round as they began their latest bids to end the USA’s 22-year wait for a Grand Slam men’s singles champion.

Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a major singles title with his 2003 US Open triumph.

Fritz, 27, has come closest to breaking the drought, having reached the final at Flushing Meadows last year – making him the first American man in 15 years to reach a major showpiece.

Seeded fourth this year, Fritz beat compatriot Emilio Nava 7-5 6-2 6-3, while sixth seed Shelton dispatched Grand Slam debutant Ignacio Buse 6-3 6-2 6-4.

It is the first time since the 2007 US Open that two American men have been seeded inside the top eight.

“We’re in a great place in American tennis,” Fritz said.

“The women have been really carrying for a long time, but the men – we’re coming.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Ben Shelton (left) and Taylor Fritz (right) are the two highest ranked American men

Shelton, 22, was the first player of this year’s tournament to play on the iconic Arthur Ashe show court, taking just over two hours to wrap up victory.

The former semi-finalist is in good form, having won his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open earlier this month.

“The US Open is the pinnacle of tennis for me and what I dreamed about as a kid,” Shelton said.

“It is starting to feel like home for me.”

Fritz will face either Sebastian Beez or qualifier Lloyd Harris in the second round, whilst Shelton will take on Spain’s Pablo Carreno-Busta.

Mensik advances on opening day

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Jakub Mensik has reached a career-high rank of 16

Teenage sensation Jakub Mensik had to work hard for a 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-4 victory over Chile’s Nicolas Jarry as play got under way on Sunday.

Mensik, seeded 16th, won his first ATP Tour title back in March, beating Djokovic in the Miami Open final, and has twice reached the third round in New York.

The 19-year-old Czech will face Ugo Blanchet next after the French qualifier beat Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan 6-4 3-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-2.

Elsewhere, Spanish 18th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina needed only 89 minutes to beat Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 6-1 6-2.

Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor was the only men’s seed to fall on the opening day, losing 7-5 6-4 6-0 to French veteran Adrian Mannarino.

Tournament prize money has been a contentious issue this year, after the top 20 men’s and women’s players signed a letter asking for a greater share of revenue from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

Earlier this month, the United States Tennis Association announced a 20% increase in prize money for the US Open – creating what is claims is “the largest purse in tennis history’ – with $90m (£67.4m) in total up for grabs.

“Look, it’s a step in the right direction,” Djokovic, 38, said on Friday when asked if the increase mirrors what players had in mind.

“Obviously it’s always nice and positive to see that Grand Slams are willing to improve the prize money overall across the board for the players.

“Whether it’s an ideal situation for us, I think overall I don’t think so. I think there is still a lot more room for improvement in that sense.”

Djokovic explained that he doesn’t want increases for himself, but for players lower in the rankings who rely on Grand Slams.

“I see that in the past when I talk about this topic, people like to say, ‘well, look at him, wanting more money for himself’. It’s not about that,” said the 24-time Grand Slam winner.

“I’m just talking about overall. Not many tennis players live out of this sport globally. That’s not something that I see has been talked about enough.

“It’s also important to understand that we live in a very commercial world. Entertainment and sports business are very big.

“And for Grand Slams, they are doing very well as well. So the US Open increased the prize money. Other slams are doing it too. But they also have a bigger revenue than the previous year.

“Then there is the inflation part, which is a completely different topic, but important to take in consideration when you talk about these things.

“Overall it’s definitely a positive step.”

Earlier this year, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) launched legal action against tennis’ governing bodies, citing “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”.

The lawsuit by the players’ group, which was co-founded by Djokovic, sought an end to what it describes as “monopolistic control” of the tennis tour, as well as financial compensation from the ATP, the WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Djokovic subsequently said that “there are things that I agree with in the lawsuit, and then there are also things that I don’t agree with”.

Djokovic will begin his US Open campaign on Sunday against American Learner Tien at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York City.

Sinner, 23, swatted aside seven-time champion Djokovic to win 6-3 6-3 6-4 and reach a maiden Wimbledon final and set up a re-match of last month’s epic French Open showpiece.

At least one of Sinner and Alcaraz have contested the men’s singles final at the last six Grand Slam tournaments, while Sinner is going for a first title away from the hard courts against Alcaraz, a two-time winner at the All England Club.

Djokovic had admitted before the tournament this was probably his best chance of setting a standalone record of major singles title – on his favoured surface where he has enjoyed so much success.

Having been largely outplayed for two sets, the 38-year-old threatened a comeback in the third but Sinner remarkably won five games in a row on his way to securing a fifth Grand Slam final.

Three-time major winner Sinner has now won the last six meetings against Djokovic but this was the first time on grass.

There were doubts around the fitness of both players before the match and, while Sinner did not seem hampered by his elbow injury, Djokovic did require a medical time out after the second set.

Another final between Sinner and Alcaraz just five weeks after the last one at Roland Garros gives the Italian a chance for revenge after he let slip a two-set lead to lose in five.

“It’s a huge honour for me to share the court again with Carlos,” Sinner said.

“Hopefully it will be a good match like the last one – I don’t know if it will be better because I don’t know if that’s possible but we will try – hopefully it will be an enjoyable match.”

World number two Alcaraz beat American fifth seed Taylor Fritz 6-4 5-7 6-3 7-6 (8-6) in Friday’s first semi-final on a sweltering hot day at SW19.

Djokovic, 38, fell awkwardly late on in his quarter-final against Flavio Cobolli, but picked himself up to wrap up victory and progress.

Sinner, meanwhile, hurt his right elbow after slipping in the first game of his fourth-round tie with Grigor Dimitrov on Monday.

The Italian ultimately progressed after his opponent retired through injury, but he had heavy strapping on his elbow in his quarter-final win over Ben Shelton.

Sinner said he would be “100% fit” to face Djokovic, but the Serb has not been quite so definitive and cancelled a scheduled practice session on Thursday.

Sinner cancelled a scheduled session on Tuesday, heading indoors for some light hitting while he awaited the results of a scan.

Djokovic may have done likewise – but it does still cast some doubt over his fitness.

Djokovic reached the semi-finals of this year’s Australian Open but had to retire after the first set against Alexander Zverev, having injured his leg in the previous round.

Given his age, Djokovic accepts he has to work harder than 23-year-old Sinner or 22-year-old Wimbledon defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to keep up with them physically.

“Sometimes I get tired of all the chores I have to do on a daily basis to get my body ready to be able to perform,” he said.

“It’s a lot of hours spent off the court, in the gym or on the table just trying to work with what I have.

“Physically, I hope that I’ll be able to sustain that.”

Sinner, who is bidding to reach his first Wimbledon final, did take part in his scheduled practice session on Thursday but seemed in no discomfort as he laughed and joked with his team.

Alcaraz will face Taylor Fritz in the first men’s semi-final on Friday – but the American too had to take a medical timeout in his quarter-final win over Karen Khachanov.

Fifth seed Fritz had treatment on his feet – and concerns were heightened by the fact he had just lost the third set 6-1 after controlling the first two.

But Fritz, through to the last four at SW19 for the first time, allayed those fears after his victory, saying he just needed taping on his foot redone.

“It’s pretty common – a lot of players do this tape job so your foot doesn’t get irritated,” he said.

“I think I ripped it off at some point in the second so I just needed to get it redone.”

The only person who got through the quarter-finals without a hint of an injury was world number two Alcaraz.

A fully-fit Alcaraz is certainly a concern for his rivals as he bids for a third Wimbledon title in a row.

The 23-year-old Italian fell during the first game of his fourth-round tie with Grigor Dimitrov on Monday and took a medical time-out to receive treatment.

He was two sets down against Dimitrov but ultimately progressed after his opponent retired through injury.

Sinner only had a light 20-minute hit with his coaches on Tuesday and wore strapping and a protective sleeve on his racquet arm during Wednesday’s quarter-final victory over Shelton.

The only sign of discomfort he showed was when he grimaced and shook out his arm after returning one of Shelton’s huge serves in the second set.

“The pain is getting better,” Sinner told BBC Sport. “I played today with some painkillers which helped me to get through.

“Returning fast serves is not easy. But yes, it’s not something crazy serious because if not I would be much more concerned.

“Time will always help and [Thursday] is one day off, which is going to be good for me, and Friday I’m going to be 100%.”

Djokovic, bidding for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, lost to Sinner in the French Open last four earlier this year.

The two have also met twice before at Wimbledon – in the quarter-finals in 2022 and the semi-finals in 2023, with Djokovic winning on both occasions.

However, three-time Grand Slam champion Sinner has won their past four meetings.

“Me and Novak, we know each other better because we have played quite a lot,” Sinner said.

“I’ve never won against him here in Wimbledon so it’s going to be a very, very tough challenge.”

Sinner also said he decided to play in new shoes for his match with Shelton to reduce the chances of slipping again.

“I played with completely new shoes to have more grip,” he added.

“I haven’t even played practice [in them]. It was completely new, which usually on other surfaces I don’t do.

“On grass the main priority is to have lots of grip so I have to get used to it.”

It’s going to take best of me to win – Djokovic

Seven-time champion Djokovic beat Italian Flavio Cobolli in four sets to secure his semi-final spot but also suffered an injury scare himself during the match.

Leading 5-4 in the fourth set and serving for the match, he slipped and fell awkwardly as he attempted to move for a shot.

It prompted concern from the crowd and Djokovic initially appeared in discomfort when he got up, but shook it off to win the next two points and secure victory.

“There is a concern but we’ll see in the next 24 to 48 hours. It was an awkward, nasty fall,” Djokovic told BBC Sport.

“I’m going to address it with my team and hope that severity is not too bad.”

Djokovic has now broken the record for most Wimbledon men’s singles semi-final appearances with 14, moving one clear of eight-time champion Roger Federer.

It is also a 52nd Grand Slam semi-final appearance for Djokovic, extending his all-time record in the men’s game.

But regardless of his impressive record, he knows he will need to be at his very best against Sinner.

“I am just trying to focus on my recovery right now and getting my body in shape for very physical battle,” he said of his preparations for the match.

“Hopefully I can deliver the level and be able to stay with him because it’s going to take the best of me at the moment to beat Jannik.

“That’s the only thing I’m thinking about right now – just getting myself physically and mentally in the right state so I can fight with him for as long as it’s necessary.”

Seven-time champion Djokovic manoeuvred past Italian 22nd seed Cobolli 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 7-5 6-4 to reach a 14th semi-final at SW19.

It came after Italy’s Sinner put aside any discomfort from an elbow injury to beat American 10th seed Ben Shelton 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4.

Djokovic, 38, bidding for a stand-alone record 25th Grand Slam title, overcame a few wobbles to beat Cobolli and book the last-four meeting many had hoped for when the draw was made.

It will be the second time Djokovic and Sinner have met in a major semi-final this year, with Sinner coming through in straight sets at the French Open in June.

Three-time major champion Sinner, who wore a sleeve to protect his right elbow after suffering a fall in his fourth-round match on Monday, has won the past four matches against Djokovic.

But Djokovic will back himself on grass against Sinner, having won both of their meetings at Wimbledon.

“I’m very happy with this performance,” said Sinner, who has reached at least the semi-finals in the past four majors.

“When you are in a match with a lot of tension you try not to think about [any pain]. It has improved a lot from yesterday to today.

“It is no excuse. There is no better stage to play tennis and I showed this today.”

Djokovic sets more Wimbledon records

Djokovic has now surpassed Roger Federer’s all-time record for the most Wimbledon men’s semi-final appearances.

But he had to work hard against a fired-up Cobolli, who said before the match that Djokovic is his “biggest idol”.

In the ultimate reward for a stellar run at SW19, Cobolli made the most of his moment on Wimbledon’s biggest stage, celebrating almost every point with a raised fist on his way to clinching the first set.

He matched Djokovic in the rallies, displaying some magnificent serving alongside brilliant shot range and variety.

But, after moving ahead in a nervy tie-break, the intensity that had swept Cobolli along in the opener could not be replicated, and Djokovic quickly wore him down to take the second set.

That level did, however, return in the third. Cobolli immediately responded to an early break of serve, then smiled as the crowd rose and chanted his name.

Djokovic grew frustrated when he could not take a break opportunity at 3-3, tossing his racquet in the air in frustration, but he tidied up the mistakes to break at 5-5 then served out the set.

The mistakes returned for Cobolli in the fourth as Djokovic’s experience and prowess on the surface shone through to win three games in a row and secure victory.

There was cause for concern when he took a nasty slip when doing the splits on his second match point, but he said afterwards that he was OK and an occasional fall is to be expected with the way he slides around the court.

The victory was Djokovic’s 102nd match win at Wimbledon – the most he has managed at a single ATP Tour event during his illustrious career.

Sinner not 100% fit but still a cut above

Sinner has been the dominant men’s player for the past 18 months and this performance – when he was not 100% fit – was another example of why.

A below-par display against Dimitrov went unpunished when the luckless Bulgarian popped a pectoral muscle in the third set.

If it felt like Sinner, 23, had been given a lifeline and he certainly made the most of it against Shelton.

Sinner’s serve speed dropped against Dimitrov because of his injury but it was back up to 125mph – more in tune with his tournament average – and the added pace combined with his precision spelled trouble for Shelton.

The huge-serving American, who has become a fan favourite at the All England Club over the past fortnight, won only one receiving point before the opening-set tie-break.

Then, in the tie-break, he was lured into Sinner’s trap.

Unsuccessfully going for broke, the under-pressure Shelton lamped aggressive groundstrokes in a bid to break down Sinner.

Neither player created a break point in the opening set but Shelton earned two immediately in the second thanks to improvements in his return game.

While he could not take either, Shelton earned another half chance at 4-3 with more pressure being applied particularly on Sinner’s second serve.

But Sinner survived and turned the tables on Shelton in the very next game. Shelton continued to hammer down serves at more than 140mph but was still broken after Sinner soaked up the pace and turned defence into attack with his relentless returning.

It was a similar pattern in the third set. Both players continued to dominate service games before Sinner upped the ante again with a decisive break as Shelton served to stay in the match.

With men’s record eight-time winner Federer watching on from the Royal Box, Serbia’s Djokovic lost an error-strewn opener and had to fight back from 4-1 down in the fourth set to win 1-6 6-4 6-4 6-4.

But, after enduring an uncomfortable three hours and 18 minutes on Centre Court against Australian 11th seed De Minaur, the 38-year-old is now within three wins of another piece of history.

Seven-time champion Djokovic said of playing in front of Federer: “This is probably the first time he is watching me and I have won the match!

“The last couple of times I lost, so it’s good to break the curse.

“Roger is a huge champion and someone I admired and respected a lot.

“We shared the stage for many years and it is great to have him back at his most successful and favourite tournament.”

In addition to chasing Federer’s Wimbledon record, Djokovic is attempting to win a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title.

He will face Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli for a semi-final place, with world number one Jannik Sinner potentially waiting in the last four.

• Djokovic overcomes stern test to close in on history

It is not often that Djokovic – who has won 43 of his past 45 matches at Wimbledon – is made to endure such a stern test of his mental resilience on the stage he has dominated on over the past decade.

The sixth seed is through to a 16th Wimbledon quarter-final, second only to the 18 achieved by Federer, but at times it felt as though his progress was under threat.

In a puzzling first set, an out-of-sorts Djokovic had his serve broken three times by De Minaur as the Australian capitalised on his uncharacteristically messy start.

Djokovic was hampered by double faults, with two helping De Minaur go an immediate break up on Centre Court, before he recorded another on his way to going down 4-1.

It appeared he had already turned his attention to the second set when he was again broken to concede the first after 30 minutes on court – and that seemed to be confirmed when he broke his opponent’s serve in the first game.

But Djokovic’s struggles continued, with the Serb eventually falling to a sixth break point in a marathon second game to set the tone for a topsy-turvy second set.

Djokovic hinted at his improving level as he responded again, cupping his ear to the crowd after another exchange of breaks, but he still had to withstand two break points as he served out the set.

De Minaur stuck to his task, maintaining his high level to keep unsettling Djokovic, but it was the former world number one who found the breakthrough in the ninth game and landed a closing drop shot to complete the turnaround.

His revival was checked in the fourth set when the unfazed De Minaur went from saving a break point to seizing one on his way to taking a three-game advantage.

But Djokovic, having saved another break point to avoid going 5-1 down, finished with an impressive five-game streak to join Federer as one of only three men in the Open era to reach the last eight at Wimbledon over the age of 38.

“I don’t know how I’m feeling, to be honest. It wasn’t a great start for me,” Djokovic added.

“I was very pleased to hang in tough in the right moments and win this one.”

Serb Djokovic was in no mood to delay his near-fated ton at the All England Club and secured the 6-3 6-0 6-4 victory in just one hour and 50 minutes.

It is a feat achieved only by Martina Navratilova and eight-time champion Roger Federer, who holds the record with 105.

If Djokovic wins the trophy at the end of the fortnight, he will still be one shy of the record.

But it would land him an even bigger accomplishment – the record 25th Grand Slam title he has been chasing since last winning a major at the 2023 US Open.

“Wimbledon is a favourite and a dream tournament of not just myself but the majority of players,” he said.

“Growing up, most kids dream of winning here and I’ve been blessed to do that many times here. Any history I make in my favourite tournament… I’m blessed.”

Djokovic celebrated the milestone by performing a ‘pumping’ dance which has become a tradition between him and his children after each win this tournament.

He demonstrated the dance with his daughter – who was sitting in his coaching box – during his on-court speech after the match.

The 38-year-old, seeded sixth, will take on Australian 11th seed Alex de Minaur in the fourth round.

As Centre Court’s Royal Box hosted ‘Sporting Saturday’ with a plethora of stars in attendance, it was perhaps fitting that Djokovic continued his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title in such devastating fashion.

Djokovic was brimming with confidence after his second-round victory over Briton Dan Evans, saying he played “almost flawless tennis” with his serve in particular impressing.

It was the serve that was once again the focal point as he breezed to victory, facing just one break point all match.

World number 49 Kecmanovic knows only too well what his Davis Cup team-mate is capable of and was largely unable to stem the flow from a free-hitting Djokovic.

Numerous rallies were met with gasps from the crowd as Djokovic demonstrated his still-sublime movement and prowess as one of the best returners in the sport.

A lengthy point which ended with Djokovic sat on the turf having fired down a brilliant backhand winner while off balance was met with a standing ovation from a crowd enthralled by the veteran’s capabilities.

Having needed just one break of serve to seal the opener, Djokovic immediately put his opponent on the backfoot in set two and swiftly wrapped up a triple break without giving Kecmanovic a sniff.

The contest was perhaps best summed up by Kecmanovic raising a fist to the crowd as he won the opening game of the third set, finally halting Djokovic’s nine-game streak.

The only blemish on a near-flawless performance from Djokovic came as he tried to serve out the win.

One fan shouted “Don’t panic Novak!” as he went 15-30 down on serve, ironically poking fun at what had largely been a demolition.

Sure of the inevitable outcome, the crowd began to get under his skin in an attempt to prolong the match and Djokovic suffered his only break of the match.

But it was not enough to turn the tide and Djokovic served out at the second opportunity, delivering a message to his peers that he remains someone to beat here.

If he continues on this trajectory, a semi-final meeting with Italian top seed Jannik Sinner feels inevitable, with the world number one producing an equally dominant performance on Centre Court earlier on Saturday.

Not since 2017 has Djokovic suffered defeat by someone other than Carlos Alcaraz at SW19, losing to the defending champion in the past two finals having won the previous four.

But if Djokovic is to clinch that record major it seems he knows this might just be his best chance.

Evans, now ranked 154th in the world and given a wildcard to play at the All England Club, lost 6-3 6-2 6-0 in their second-round match.

Serb great Djokovic, 38, produced a serving masterclass which even left Evans shaking his head in disbelief at several points.

The 35-year-old home favourite, who was willed on by an encouraging Centre Court crowd, won just nine of his 58 receiving points (16%) in the match.

Djokovic, seeded sixth this year, also demonstrated why he is still one of the best returners in the men’s game by converting six of his 16 break points.

It was an impressive display from the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who is aiming to equal his rival Roger Federer’s record tally of Wimbledon men’s singles titles.

Djokovic is also trying to finally land a standalone record 25th major, having not claimed one of the sport’s most prestigious prizes since the 2023 US Open.

“Everyone knew it was going to be a special atmosphere today – a Brit in Britain is never easy to face,” said Djokovic, who earned his 99th match win at Wimbledon.

“He’s a good quality player who possesses a lot of great talent, a great touch and, with the ball staying low with the slice, it can cause trouble if you’re not at the top of your game.

“But I think was. I executed perfectly. Sometimes you have these days where everything flows.”

Djokovic’s win teed up an all-Serb contest against Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round, with a place in the last 16 on the line.

With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal having retired, Djokovic is the last of the ‘Big Three’ still playing.

Eyeing a record 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic said he has no time to think about joining his former rivals in retirement.

“I don’t pause to reflect, to be honest. I don’t have time,” he said.

“I think that’s going to come probably when I set the racquet aside and then sip margaritas on the beach with Federer and Nadal and just reflect on our rivalry and everything.

“If I play like today, I feel like I have a very good chance against anybody, really, on the Centre Court of Wimbledon, a place where I maybe feel the most comfortable on any court.”

Was this Evans’ last Wimbledon?

Stepping out again on Centre Court, this time to face arguably the greatest men’s player of all time, was a rich reward for Evans.

A loss of form and injuries over the past couple of seasons led to a brief exile outside the top 200 earlier this year.

The strain of the ageing process and an inescapable feeling of “letting down” his family and supporters have been particularly difficult to deal with.

It led to Evans becoming overcome with emotion in his pre-tournament news conference at Wimbledon when he opened up about his feelings.

The enthusiasm with which the former world number 21 celebrated beating fellow British wildcard Jay Clarke in the first round illustrated his delight at earning another priceless victory at Wimbledon.

While Evans has indicated he has no plans yet to retire, he also knows there is not much mileage left on the clock of his career.

Asked if this could be his final Wimbledon, he said: “I don’t know. See what this year brings.

“I have to decide at the end of the year. There will definitely be some sort of chat at the end of the year [about] what I want to do.

“It’s not getting any easier, that’s for sure. Waking up after playing matches is hard now.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Dan Evans has lost all four of his Wimbledon matches on Centre Court – including a 2016 defeat by Roger Federer

Evans, whose victory over Clarke was his first at the All England Club since 2021, knew there would be no better place to create a shock than beating Djokovic on Centre Court.

But it quickly became clear the gulf in class between the pair was too much.

Evans hung tough in the first set before finally buckling on the 10th break point he faced at 4-3, with Djokovic going on to win 13 of the next 15 games to secure a straightforward victory.

The majority of the 15,000 crowd waited patiently for Evans to pack his racquet bag, so they could send him off the most famous court in the sport with a passionate ovation.

“I believed I could win the match. I felt confident going into the match,” Evans said.

“I understand the occasion and what a moment it was for myself. Of course, it’s disappointing, but I’ll look back with a proud happiness.”

British duo Pinnington Jones and Fery knocked out

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: This was Jack Pinnington Jones’ main draw debut at Wimbledon

Evans was one of three British singles players to exit Wimbledon on Thursday, with wildcards Jack Pinnington Jones and Arthur Fery being beaten by Italian opponents.

Pinnington Jones, who made his debut at the Championships this year, lost 6-1 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 to Flavio Cobolli.

Fery, meanwhile, trailed Luciano Darderi by two sets when play was suspended on Tuesday and he was unable to stage a comeback once the match resumed, losing 6-4 6-3 6-3.

A record 36 seeds have exited Wimbledon after two rounds – 19 men and 17 women.

British world number four Jack Draper, American Tommy Paul, Czech player Tomas Machac and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime became the latest seeded players to exit the men’s draw on Thursday.

Seven-time champion Djokovic, who could meet Sinner in the semi-finals, began his latest pursuit of an outright-record 25th major title by overcoming Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-1 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-2 on Centre Court.

The Serb appeared to struggle early in the third set – later confirming that “something was off with the stomach” – but rediscovered his form following a medical timeout to win 10 of the final 12 games.

“I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes. Whether it was a stomach bug, I don’t know what it is,” Djokovic said.

“I struggled with that but the energy came back and I managed to finish the match on a good note.”

Contesting his first Grand Slam match since losing one of the all-time great French Open finals to Carlos Alcaraz last month, world number one Sinner lost just seven games in a dominant a 6-4 6-3 6-0 win over fellow Italian Luca Nardi.

But Germany’s Zverev became the fourth top-10 ranked men’s player to exit the tournament across the first two days of action.

Defeats for third seed Zverev and Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti came on a day when French Open champion Coco Gauff became the third top-five seed to lose in the women’s draw.

Djokovic survives eventful opener

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Novak Djokovic has never lost in the Wimbledon first round in 19 appearances

Djokovic stated before the tournament his belief that Wimbledon offers his best chance of disrupting the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to land his 25th Grand Slam title.

The 38-year-old appeared set to cruise through his opener as he won six consecutive games and lost only two points on serve in a scintillating 30-minute first-set display.

But the remainder of the match proved a much sterner test of the former world number one’s resolve.

Djokovic could not find a way past an improving Muller, despite creating 11 break points – including four set points – before he was taken to a tie-break.

He also led that 5-2, only for the battling Muller to produce a stunning recovery in which he won seven of the next nine points to level the match before the roof was closed.

There was concern for Djokovic early in the third set when the sixth seed called a medical timeout amid an obvious shift in his body language.

The assistance he received from the doctor, in the form of a tablet, appeared to have an immediate effect as he wrested back control of the contest, rediscovering his former level to take the third set by winning five successive games.

Muller, who also received a medical timeout to have treatment on his right calf, continued to delight the crowd with his resistance and forced a first couple of break points on Djokovic’s serve at the beginning of the fourth set.

But Djokovic, outstanding on serve throughout, held firm before making his break for the finish line – eventually serving out the match to love less than 30 minutes before the 23:00 BST play curfew.

He will face Britain’s Dan Evans in the second round, having now won 40 of his past 42 matches at Wimbledon – his only two defeats coming against Alcaraz in the past two finals.

Sinner makes impressive start

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Jannik Sinner has held the top ranking for 12 months, despite serving a three-month doping suspension this year

After his devastating defeat by Alcaraz in Paris, in which he squandered a two-set lead and three championship points in a five-and-a-half-hour epic, Sinner announced his arrival as one of the title favourites at SW19.

The top seed, a three-time major winner, comprehensively outclassed the 95th-ranked Nardi to complete an efficient victory in one hour and 48 minutes on the UK’s hottest day of the year.

The 23-year-old, who will face Australian Aleksandar Vukic next, reflected on his French Open loss in his post-match interview.

“New tournament, new chances, new challenges,” said Sinner, after demonstrating why he has reached at least the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for the past three years.

“If you don’t enjoy playing on these courts, I don’t know where you will enjoy [it]. I’m very happy to be here and let’s see what is coming.”

Nardi, 21, offered resistance in the first set and managed to escape the first five break points he faced – but it was not long before Sinner asserted himself.

Eventually taking his seventh opportunity to clinch the breakthrough and capture the first set, Sinner carried that momentum into the second as the gulf between the players became increasingly apparent as the match wore on.

Nardi was unable to live with Sinner’s devastating combination of pace, power and precision hitting and an entirely one-sided third set barely stretched beyond 20 minutes.

​​​​​​​Top men’s seeds continue to fall

In a match that finished almost 24 hours after it started, suspended at one set apiece late on Monday night, Zverev came up short against the inspired Rinderknech in five sets.

Zverev twice served to stay in the match in the fourth set, and recovered from a 4-1 deficit in the tie-break to force a decider.

But the 72nd-ranked Rinderknech held his nerve after securing an early break in the fifth to win 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (8-10) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 and achieve his first career victory over a top-five player.

Italian Musetti, a Wimbledon semi-finalist last year, also suffered a surprise first-round defeat, losing 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-1 to qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili, of Georgia.

Those losses came after Danish eighth seed Holger Rune and Russian ninth seed Daniil Medvedev exited the tournament on Monday.

Alexander Bublik, Kazakhstan’s 28th seed and winner of the Halle Open in the build-up to Wimbledon, served for the match in the fourth set against Spain’s Jaume Munar before losing 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.

American fifth seed Taylor Fritz returned to complete a comeback victory from two sets down, winning 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (8-10) 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 after his match against Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was suspended late on Monday.

Italy’s Sinner won 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to end Djokovic’s hopes of winning a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, 38, looked emotional as he put his racquet bags down on Court Philippe Chatrier and waved farewell to an adoring crowd.

Defending champion Alcaraz moved into his second successive Roland Garros final after eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired injured in the fourth set of their semi-final earlier on Friday.

Sinner, playing only his second tournament back after a three-month ban for failing two doping tests, meets the Spanish second seed on Sunday.

The pair were the clear favourites before the clay-court Grand Slam tournament and will now write another chapter in their developing rivalry.

Alcaraz led 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 2-0 when Italy’s Musetti, aiming to reach his first major final, was forced to end the match early.

“It’s never fair. I want to win but not like this,” said Alcaraz.

Djokovic offers resistance but can’t find way past Sinner

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Novak Djokovic was bidding to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s champion in history

Age is clearly catching up with Djokovic – but the nature of this defeat showed just how much he still offers at the top of the game.

The Serb was aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s singles champion by lifting the trophy on Sunday for a fourth time.

Djokovic’s quality and fight enabled him to stay within touching distance of the 23-year-old Sinner, who has taken the reins as the world number one.

Yet it still never truly felt like he would be able to snap his three-match losing streak against the nerveless Italian.

Djokovic tried a variety of tactics – baseline duels, drop-shots, serve and volley – but Sinner was virtually impossible to break down.

The constant pressure forced Djokovic into loose groundstrokes and badly-executed drop-shots in an opening set which swung Sinner’s way when he broke serve in the fifth game.

Djokovic’s level improved in the early part of the second set, with two holds to love followed by scrutiny on Sinner’s serve, but he could not find a way through.

An animated Djokovic roared at the crowd after saving a break point in the fifth game and looked up to the heavens in frustration when another poor return handed over the break in his next service game.

You can never completely count Djokovic out, though. He managed to break back for 5-5 before losing serve again as Sinner sealed a two-set lead at the second opportunity.

Djokovic needed treatment for an issue with his upper left leg before the third set, but Sinner is rarely fazed by any disruptions and soaked up most of what Djokovic threw at him.

That included saving three set points in a tense game at 5-4, where further drama was added by a disbelieving Djokovic arguing over a line call going against him at deuce.

Sinner quickly took control of the tie-break, helped by Djokovic smashing into the net for 3-0, to set up the tantalising meeting with Alcaraz – their first contest in a Grand Slam final.

Alcaraz’s biggest test ends early

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Carlos Alcaraz has won all three of his matches against Lorenzo Musetti this season

Alcaraz has not been at his clinical best during his title defence and Musetti promised to be his sternest test yet.

The pair have been the leading clay-court players on the ATP Tour this year, winning more matches than anyone else and going deep at the most important tournaments.

Two high-quality, competitive sets showed why.

But once Alcaraz levelled, he unleashed his attacking shots to devastating effect and also benefited from Musetti’s physical struggles.

Musetti needed treatment for a thigh problem at the end of the third set and it quickly became apparent he would struggle to continue.

Musetti reached the semi-finals of all three clay-court Masters before doing the same at Roland Garros.

But questions had still been raised about his mentality and whether he truly believed he could beat the very best on the biggest stage.

He had already lost twice to Alcaraz on clay this season – in Monte Carlo and Rome over three sets – but showed no signs of lacking faith as he took the opening set.

Sometimes accused of being too casual, Alcaraz fully locked in at the start of the second-set tie-break and took the third of his five set points to level the match.

Delicately poised, it was quickly ruined as a contest.

Musetti felt a problem in his left leg when serving and won just five points in a 22-minute third set.

After two visits from the physiotherapist, he still could not move freely and decided to shake hands with Alcaraz at the net.

With either Sinner or Alcaraz winning the trophy, it means the dominant pair have swept up the past six major titles between them.

Players born in the 1990s were restricted to just two Grand Slam singles titles between them as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic diced up the major prizes for more than two decades.

Two players born after 2000 have captured seven major titles between them.

That is the current top two of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are on a collision course in Paris.

But Novak Djokovic still looms large.

The 38-year-old faces Sinner – who is 15 years younger than him – in Friday’s first French Open semi-final, having become the oldest man to reach the last four since 1968.

“I think at the moment he’s a bit underrated,” world number three Alexander Zverev said after falling to Djokovic in four sets on Wednesday.

“I think a lot of people count him out already, but this year he’s had wins over Carlos at the Australian Open, he has beaten me at the French Open.

“Forget the age. For any player, those are pretty good results.”

Defending champion Alcaraz, meanwhile, will look to continue his recent dominance over Lorenzo Musetti in the second semi-final.

Image caption: Novak Djokovic is 14 years older than any of his fellow French Open semi-finalists

Djokovic is bidding for another slice of history. Win in Paris and he will secure a record-breaking 25th major singles title.

But no man has defeated the top three men’s players to win a major since the ATP rankings were introduced.

Djokovic is on a nine-match winning streak heading into the 51st major semi-final of his career. Victory in Geneva last month secured him the 100th tour-level title of his career – a timely confidence boost following a run of three successive defeats.

That run included consecutive opening-round defeats to begin his clay-court season, and the Olympic champion entered Roland Garros in the unusual position of sixth seed.

But he showed age is not inhibiting him as he won a 41-shot rally to save a break point in the fourth set on his way to beating Zverev in three hours and 18 minutes.

He displayed impressive variety to disrupt the German’s baseline dominance with drop shots and serve-and-volley tactics.

Sinner, however, will pose a sterner test.

While their head-to-head record stands at 4-4, the Italian has won their past three meetings.

The reigning US Open and Australian Open champion is on a 19-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments – the fourth longest this century after the Djokovic (30), Federer (27) and Nadal (25).

He is chasing history of his own at Roland Garros, seeking to become the first Italian man to win the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

In his 52nd week as world number one – despite serving a three-month doping suspension between February and May – Sinner could become the first man to win three consecutive majors since Djokovic in 2021.

With unshakeable consistency and devastating precision, Sinner is yet to drop a set this fortnight before attempting to break down arguably the greatest defensive player the game has seen.

Alcaraz looks to continue dominance over Musetti

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Carlos Alcaraz has won his past five matches against Lorenzo Musetti, including twice on clay this season in Monte Carlo and Rome

Alcaraz appears to have hit top gear at the perfect time.

After losing just five games in his straight-set quarter-final win over American Tommy Paul, the Spaniard said: “I could close my eyes and everything [would have gone] in.

“My feeling today was unbelievable. I was trying to hit every shot at 100% – not thinking about anything else, just hitting.”

The four-time major winner did not face a single break point in that match and will now target a sixth successive win over Musetti, having lost just one set in their previous five meetings.

Musetti, whose sole victory over Alcaraz came in their first meeting back in 2022, has risen to sixth in the live rankings after moving to the brink of a first major final.

The Italian will hope to offer greater resistance in their latest meeting after working to improve his serve in the off-season.

“We shortened a bit the motion to have more control, and then I got more confidence in what I was having as a motion,” Musetti said.

“Right now in really difficult situations, I make an ace or have my serve as a weapon, and it was a pretty big change for my game.”

The 38-year-old sixth seed won 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 to set up a meeting with world number one Jannik Sinner on Friday.

Djokovic, who has three Roland Garros titles, lost the opening set to 2024 runner-up Zverev after being broken in the first game of the match.

But the Serb great did not drop serve again, although he had to survive a 41-shot exchange on break point at 3-2 in the fourth set on his way to sealing a record-extending 51st Grand Slam semi-final appearance.

“My way of playing is based on running, but at my age it’s not so easy to run so much,” said Djokovic, who is the second oldest man to reach the French Open semi-finals.

There he will face Sinner, who cruised into the last four with a ruthless straight-set victory over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik earlier on Thursday.

The Italian is still yet to drop a set at Roland Garros after winning 6-1 7-5 6-0 and bringing 62nd-ranked Bublik’s remarkable run to an end.

Sinner is hunting a first title on the Paris clay after previously only gone as far as the semis, losing a five-set thriller to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz last year.

Djokovic or Sinner will meet the winner of defending champion Alcaraz and Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who also play on Friday.

​​​​​​​Djokovic shows Grand Slam desire remains strong

While age is clearly catching up on Djokovic, his insatiable appetite for Grand Slam success shows no signs of slowing down.

A patchy season by his lofty standards has led to questions about his stamina and motivation, while the departure of rival-turned-coach Andy Murray from his team also indicated things were not functioning as he hoped.

But when the major tournaments come around, Djokovic is always still primed to challenge in the latter stages.

In Melbourne, he defied the odds to beat Alcaraz and reach the semi-finals, although the physical exertions led to a hamstring tear which meant he had to retire injured against Zverev in the last-four encounter.

Nevertheless, it showed he still had the desire and capability to beat the younger generation over the five-set format.

“I think the win against Alcaraz and against Zverev tonight proves to myself and others that I can still play at the highest level,” Djokovic said.

“I just thrive on these occasions. This is where I lock in and really give my best.”

Zverev, 28, was once part of the first crop expected to replace Djokovic, Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

This defeat was another illustration of how the German is often unable to problem-solve against Djokovic, who won four of his eight break points.

Often accused of being too passive, Zverev was rooted deep behind the baseline for much of the contest and paid the price as Djokovic took control with his craftmanship.

With belief or focus rarely wavering, the Serb started dictating the patterns of play and used the drop shot effectively to unsettle Zverev.

When the three-time Grand Slam runner-up finally thought his chance of a comeback had arrived midway through the fourth set, he was denied in arguably the point of the tournament.

Djokovic showed all his elasticity and endurance to stop Zverev putting the set back on serve.

It enabled Djokovic to serve out victory after three hours and 17 minutes as another deft drop shot, fittingly, caught out Zverev again.

Sinner marches on in commanding fashion

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Sinner is aiming for a first title at Roland Garros to add to his US Open and two Australian Open titles

The manner in which Sinner continues to tear his way through the draw – in only his second tournament back from a three-month ban for failing two doping tests – is an ominous sign for his rivals.

The 23-year-old world number one has been the dominant player on the ATP Tour over the past 18 months and, after reaching the Rome final last month, has simply carried on from where he left off.

Victory over Bublik extended Sinner’s winning run at the majors to 19 matches after triumphs at last year’s US Open and the Australian Open in January.

The Italian, who won the first of his three majors in Melbourne last year, needed only one hour and 51 minutes to dismantle the unorthodox Bublik.

After what he described as a “disgraceful” period in his career, Bublik’s surprise run at the French Open – in which he became the first Kazakh to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final – has seen him return to the top 50 in the rankings.

Refreshed from a recent trip to Las Vegas which proved to be a turning point in his form, Bublik has enjoyed his best run at Roland Garros and said his fourth-round win over British number one Jack Draper was the “best moment of my life”.

But a match against the world number one proved a bridge too far.

“We have faced each other a few times so I know him quite well, but with him [Bublik] you never know what’s happening,” said Sinner.

“He deserves to be in the quarter-finals, he beat very tough players. I tried to stay focused on my side and play as solidly as possible because he can have ups and downs so I tried to stay consistent.”

Djokovic, bidding for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, beat Norrie 6-2 6-3 6-2.

Norrie, playing in the last 16 at Roland Garros for the first time, was looking for another scalp in Paris after stunning 11th seed Daniil Medvedev in the first round.

However, the world number 81 never seriously looked like causing an upset against the 38-year-old great.

If Norrie had taken his chances – particularly in a second set where he led by a break – it would have applied more pressure on the Serb.

Sixth seed Djokovic will face third seed Alexander Zverev next – having lost to the German in January’s Australian Open semi-finals after suffering a hamstring injury.

Jack Draper’s loss in four sets to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik later on Monday ended British interest in the singles in Paris.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Norrie is only the fourth British man – after Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman and Andy Murray – to reach the last 16 at all four majors in the Open era

Coming into the French Open, Norrie said he had been playing some of his best tennis, describing his level as similar to when he was a top-10 player back in 2022.

It raised eyebrows – but he proved to be right.

A memorable five-set win over former world number one Medvedev set the tone, followed by victories against Argentine qualifier Federico Gomez and fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley, who replaced him as British number two earlier this year.

Facing Djokovic was a different proposition.

Norrie had lost all five of his previous meetings with the three-time French Open champion, including a three-set defeat in the Geneva Open 10 days ago.

He was quickly outmanoeuvred in the first set and, after Djokovic needed medical treatment on foot blisters, the British number three could not maintain an early break in the second.

Crucially, Norrie could not convert more chances, with Djokovic saving break points in lengthy service games at 2-2 and 3-3.

The former world number one then raced away with the final set, breaking early and reeling off five games in a row before serving out victory.

Despite not being able to end his miserable run against Djokovic, Norrie will take a great deal of satisfaction from the clay-court swing.

Earlier this year he had been in danger of tumbling out of the world’s top 100 after a difficult couple of years struggling for form and fitness.

But a reinvigorated Norrie will now move back into the top 60 when he starts the grass-court season back in the UK.

World number one Sinner was ruthlessly efficient as he brought the curtain down on Frenchman Richard Gasquet’s career and advanced to the third round.

Sixth seed Djokovic was troubled by a blister but continued his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title with a straight-set victory over Corentin Moutet.

But while Sinner and Djokovic advanced, two of the top-20 players in the men’s draw were knocked out in marathon matches.

‘You hope the day never comes’ – Sinner ends Gasquet’s career

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Richard Gasquet made his French Open debut in 2002

Italy’s three-time major winner Sinner extended his winning streak against players ranked outside the top 20 to 63 matches.

In doing so, he brought an end to Gasquet’s playing career, 23 years after the 38-year-old made his Roland Garros debut.

Sinner claimed a commanding 6-3 6-0 6-4 win over Gasquet but the day was still Gasquet’s, with the Frenchman addressing the adoring crowd and accepting a commemorative trophy.

“I’ve thought a lot about this day, you hope it never comes, but today is it,” Gasquet said.

“I can’t dream of anything better than standing on this incredible court, the most beautiful court in the world.”

​​​​​​​Djokovic overcomes blister complication

Later in the day, 38-year-old Djokovic continued his recent good form with a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-1) victory against France’s Moutet.

Djokovic came to Roland Garros, where he is a three-time champion, on the back of winning his 100th ATP singles title in Geneva last week and maintained his good from against Moutet, winning in just over three hours.

The only potential blip for Djokovic was needing a medical timeout for a blister on his left foot in a tight third set.

The Serb was able to carry on and, after saving a set point to force the tie-break, clinched victory.

“Things got a little bit complicated with the blister,” said Djokovic. “That was bothering me for a bit.

“But I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for me to recover.”

He will face Filip Misolic after the Austrian overcame Canadian 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in a marathon five-set match.

Meanwhile, German third seed Alexander Zverev bounced back from losing the first set to secure a 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-3 victory over Dutchman Jesper de Jong.

‘I was checking tickets home’ – five-set thrillers

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Alexander Bublik is the first player from Kazakhstan to reach the men’s singles third round in Paris

Australian world number nine Alex De Minaur and Czech 19th seed Jakub Mensik both exited Roland Garros on Thursday – and both after winning the first two sets.

De Minaur lost 2-6 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-2 to 62nd-ranked Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, a talented but often temperamental payer.

Bublik said afterwards he had already accepted defeat before mounting a comeback.

“I was checking the tickets [home] already in my head. I didn’t really care, in a way. I was like I will accept the loss,” the 27-year-old said.

“It was a bit early for me. I was a bit sleepy in the first two sets. So it was key to wake up and then to play one of the best Slam matches that I ever played in my life.”

Bublik will now face Portugal’s world number 200 Henrique Rocha, who surprisingly beat Mensik.

Rocha, who came through qualifying and had never won a main-draw match at a major before this year’s French Open, triumphed 2-6 1-6 6-4 6-3 6-3 against talented 19-year-old Mensik.

Fils battles through injury to win rollercoaster

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: French number one Arthur Fils had never gone beyond the first round at the French Open before this year

Home hope Arthur Fils came through a gruelling four-and-a-half-hour match against Spain’s Jaime Munar, despite being unable to move at one point because of a back injury.

The 20-year-old required treatment during the third set and looked down and out after the fourth set.

But after taking painkillers, and roared on enthusiastically by the French supporters, the 14th seed fought back from a break down in the decider to compete victory.

Fils ripped off his shirt as he celebrated the 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 0-6 6-4 victory and lapped up the applause from the crowd on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

“This is my best match of all time” Fils said.

“I have had some difficult matches but this one is the best five-set match that I have ever played. I could have lost this match.

“I was lucky. But it’s going to be one of my best five-set matches ever of my life.”

The decision, said to be by mutual agreement, means Murray will not be by Djokovic’s side when he chases an eighth Wimbledon title in July.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, joined forces with Murray in November.

Under Murray, the Serb reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, ultimately retiring injured after losing the first set.

The 37-year-old has had a difficult season by his high standards, losing his first match in four of his past five tournaments, as well as being beaten in the Miami Open final by 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.

“Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun and support over last six months on and off the court – really enjoyed deepening our friendship together,” Djokovic said.

“Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together, and thanks to his team for all their hard work over the past six months,” Murray added.

“I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.”

For all the promise of Melbourne, the Murray-Djokovic partnership ultimately lasted only four tournaments.

Murray was present in Miami, where Djokovic reached the final without dropping a set before losing to Mensik in two close tie-breakers.

Djokovic has taken a wildcard into next week’s Geneva Open, having so far failed to win a match on clay this year.

The three-time French Open champion was beaten in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters as the clay-court swing began and missed this month’s Italian Open without giving a reason for his absence.

Djokovic said in February that their arrangement was an indefinite one.

“We agreed we are going to work most likely in the [United] States and then some clay-court tournaments and see how it goes after that,” he said at the time.

That is as far as it went in the end – but it was fun, and quite enchanting, while it lasted.

Djokovic was very complimentary about three-time Slam winner Murray at the Australian Open, saying coaching comes naturally to him.

“I’m very pleasantly surprised with his dedication and professionalism, considering he’s never had the experience of working as a tennis coach,” he said in January.

“It comes natural to him. His IQ generally and tennis IQ is very high. He observes and speaks when is most important.

“I think he understands the moment when he needs to say something and what to say and what to ask.

“I must say at the beginning it was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share the insights with him, not just about the game, but about how I feel, about life in general.

“Not in a negative way, but just in a way I have never done that with him because he was always one of my greatest rivals.”

Murray, 37, said he sometimes felt embarrassed by all the attention he was receiving in Melbourne, as Djokovic’s wider team had done an “incredible job over many, many years”.

Mensik, 19, went to the referee’s room to announce his withdrawal before his opener against Roberto Bautista Agut on 20 March, but the official was out for lunch.

He then went to the physiotherapist to ask them to fill in paperwork confirming his withdrawal, but was persuaded to stay on.

“I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t run,” he said. “I started to treat it, started to take painkillers. Nothing was helping.

“I was visiting the referee’s office to say ‘guys, I’m pulling out’, but he was having lunch.”

Mensik went to a physiotherapist, who deemed the injury not to be serious and began treatment to enable him to compete.

“After a few minutes I started to feel a little relief,” said Mensik, who has risen to a career-high 24th in the world rankings.

“I took different painkillers, which helped a little bit. I was like, ‘OK, let’s try it. It’s like 30 minutes before the match. I can walk. I can run. Let’s see’.

“Somehow I won the first round and then I had one day off, which of course, for my knee was much better. Day by day the knee was getting better and with that also my game.”

Mensik dropped just two sets on his run to the final, which included victories over British number one Jack Draper and fourth seed Taylor Fritz.

He clinched a first ATP Tour title with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) win over Serbia’s Djokovic on a sticky, humid night in Florida.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had been bidding to become just the third man in the Open era to win 100 singles titles.

However, the 37-year-old’s wait will go on after his loss to Mensik, who was just 10 months old when Djokovic won his first title in 2006.

Mensik is the ninth-youngest Masters 1000 champion and the second-youngest in Miami after Carlos Alcaraz.

He is another rising star in the men’s game, possessing a huge serve and a thumping backhand that has taken him inside the world’s top 50.

Djokovic invited Mensik to practice with him after the 2022 Australian Open when he was still a junior, and Mensik said in his winner’s speech that Djokovic was “the reason I am here”.

He said: “It’s just crazy and unbelievable what he’s achieving in this sport during long period of the time.

“Imagine me in 20 years from now, when I will be 39, playing the finals? I hope so, but it’s crazy to think about it like this.”

Fourth seed Djokovic warmly congratulated Mensik at the end of the match and said afterwards: “It hurts me to admit it but you were better.

“I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you’ll let me win one of the next times we play.”

It has been some rise for Mensik, who broke into the top 100 in February 2024 by reaching the Qatar Open final.

In Miami he beat three top-10 players in Djokovic, Britain’s Jack Draper and American Taylor Fritz to lift the biggest title of his career, and handled the pressure of the occasion well.

After a five-and-a-half hour rain delay before the final, settling into a rhythm was not easy, but Mensik adjusted quicker than Djokovic.

He broke Djokovic at the first opportunity and his first serve popped as he rushed out to a 4-1 lead.

Djokovic, by contrast, had a rough start. He fell twice, had to apply eye drops after being bothered by swelling under his right eye and resorted to using sawdust to help him grip his racquet in the humidity.

However, his serve improved as the set progressed and his backhand slice in particular trouble Mensik, who eventually handed the break back.

A tie-break felt inevitable and Djokovic paid for a poor start to it, although he saved two set points before Mensik smashed his way to the opener.

The match was following a similar pattern to their previous meeting in Shanghai last year, when Mensik took the first set on a breaker before fading in the next two.

However, this time he kept up the intensity. Mensik did not face a break point in the second set and the heat and humidity began to take a toll on Djokovic.

Breathing heavily and wiping his face on a towel between every point, Djokovic could only watch as Mensik sent three excellent serves past him to force a tie-break, before the Serb whacked his thigh with his racquet after dropping the opening point in it.

If the point was short, then it was Djokovic who came out on top. But Mensik dug in to the long rallies, sending Djokovic darting around at the back of court and ultimately setting up three match points.

The first one went by as Djokovic sent a superb return right onto the baseline, but Mensik ensured a fitting end with a serve out wide to clinch the second.

He will now rise to a career-high of 24th in the world rankings.

For Djokovic, the wait for a first ATP title since 2023 goes on, but there were signs that his serve in particular has improved under coach Andy Murray.

The 37-year-old Serb, aiming for a record-extending 11th men’s singles title, retired injured from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

He raised both thumbs in the air towards the 15,000 fans as he left Rod Laver Arena – which he has often described as his “second home”.

Asked if it might be his final appearance at Melbourne Park, Djokovic said. “I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes.

“I want to keep going. But whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I’m not sure.”

It is the second successive year that Djokovic has lost in the Melbourne semi-finals.

Djokovic has stripped back his schedule in recent seasons and prioritised being ready for the biggest tournaments – namely the four Grand Slams.

The former world number one continues to seek a 25th Slam to move clear of Australia’s Margaret Court, who won 24 women’s singles titles between 1960 and 1973.

The Australian Open is where Djokovic has enjoyed most of Grand Slam success followed by Wimbledon, where he has won seven titles.

He has also won three French Open and four US Open titles.

“I normally like to come to Australia to play,” seventh seed Djokovic added.

“I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come.

“But there’s always a chance [it is the last time].”

What has Djokovic got left in the tank?

Coming into the first Grand Slam of the season, there was a feeling Djokovic cannot outlast the very best of his younger opponents over five sets like he used to.

Last year was the first since 2017 – and only the second since 2011 – that Djokovic did not win a Grand Slam.

Jannik Sinner’s comfortable victory in last year’s semi-final – ending Djokovic’s 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park – damaged his aura of invincibility.

Sinner, 23, and Alcaraz, 21 splitting the four major titles last year was further evidence that the changing of the guard was finally happening.

Djokovic proved he could still hang tough with the next generation over five sets when he recovered to beat Alcaraz on Tuesday.

It came at a cost, though.

For the second time in seven months, Djokovic battled through injury for a memorable win – only to suffer the consequences in the next round.

Djokovic tore cartilage in his right knee during his French Open fourth-round victory over Francisco Cerundolo, forcing him to withdraw from the quarter-final against Casper Ruud two days later.

“It’s not like I’m approaching every Grand Slam now and worrying whether I’m going to get injured or not,” said Djokovic, who was aiming to become the oldest man to win a major in the Open era.

“But statistics are against me in a way in the last couple of years.

“I don’t know what exactly is the reason for [the injuries]. But I’ll keep going.

“I’ll keep striving to win more slams. And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around.”

Djokovic will ‘chat’ to Murray about future

Djokovic has been coached by long-time playing rival Andy Murray in Melbourne and says he does not yet know if the trial partnership will continue.

Murray, also 37, retired in August last year and joined Djokovic’s team in November.

“We are both disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about the future,” Djokovic said.

“I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me.

“I’ll give him my feedback, which is positive, and see how he feels and we will make the next step.”

Djokovic, who was bidding for a record-extending 11th title, quit after losing the first set 7-6 (7-5) in 80 minutes.

The 37-year-old Serb had his upper left leg heavily taped after injuring it in Tuesday’s quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz.

“I did everything I possibly could do to manage the muscle tear that I had,” said Djokovic, who was also aiming for an all-time standalone record of 25 major titles.

“Towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain.

“It was too much to handle for me.”

After he slapped a volley into the net on set point, seventh seed Djokovic immediately approached Zverev and shook his hand.

He waved to the crowd and gave them a double thumbs up, despite audible boos from some sections inside Rod Laver Arena.

“I knew even if I won the first set, that it’s going to be a huge uphill battle for me to stay physically fit enough to stay with him in the rallies for two, three, four hours,” added Djokovic.

“I don’t think I had that today in the tank.”

German second seed Zverev is still bidding for his first Grand Slam title after twice losing in major finals.

He will face either Italian top seed Jannik Sinner or American 21st seed Ben Shelton in Sunday’s final.

‘Don’t boo a player when they are injured’

From the moment Djokovic lunged for a drop-shot towards the end of the first set against Alcaraz and immediately grimaced to his box, there have been questions over his fitness.

Djokovic, as he has on countless occasions in his stellar career, somehow managed to defy the injury to earn a remarkable win against the 21-year-old.

But doubts remained how equipped he would be to play Zverev.

Djokovic had not practised at Melbourne Park since Tuesday night’s victory, cancelling a planned hit on Thursday before spending an hour warming up on court shortly before the semi-final.

Djokovic did not practise between matches during his 2023 title run and later revealed he had a three centimetre tear in his hamstring.

He also won the 2021 title despite tearing an abdominal muscle in the third round.

“The very first thing I want to say is, please guys, don’t boo when a player is injured,” said Zverev, addressing the crowd in his on-court interview.

“I know everyone paid for tickets and wants to see a five-set match but you have to understand Novak Djokovic is someone who has given absolutely everything to tennis.

“He has won this title with an abdominal tear, he has won this title with a hamstring tear.

“If he cannot continue this match, it means he really cannot continue.”

The signs that showed Djokovic’s struggles

Djokovic looked way below his best from the start of the semi-final.

The former world number one was fortunate not to be punished more by Zverev as he struggled badly with his first serve.

Zverev, playing passively behind the baseline, produced poor errors on the four break points he created in the third game of the match.

Two forehands and a backhand were meekly dumped into the net before he framed a forehand into the front rows of the stand on the fourth.

After three slogs of games spanning 23 minutes, Djokovic had three break points himself at 2-1 but could not take his chances.

Djokovic’s service games improved but he had to save another break point at 4-4, and the laboured walks to the chair and anguished facial expressions became more pronounced.

Nevertheless, ending the match early came as a shock to most of the 15,000 crowd on Rod Laver Arena – and Zverev himself.

Asked if he had any indication Djokovic was struggling, Zverev laughed: “No, I actually thought it was a high-level set.

“Of course there were some difficulties and the longer you continue maybe the worse it gets.

“Maybe in the tie-break he was not moving as well, but I thought we had extremely long, physical rallies.”

Novak Djokovic’s emotions poured out after securing an Australian Open quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz that made a mockery of predictions, logic and expectation.

Exuding joy and relief, Djokovic turned straight to his coach Andy Murray and buried his head in the Briton’s chest.

The celebration between the rivals-turned-colleagues came following the biggest success of Murray’s shock first coaching job.

“It was kind of a gesture of appreciation and respect for him for the fact that he’s out there and he doesn’t need to be,” said 37-year-old Djokovic, who was born a week after Murray in May 1987.

“He accepted to work with me. He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.”

When 24-time major champion Djokovic announced in November he was employing the recently retired Murray as his new coach, it felt like a prank.

But there is nothing more serious for both men than winning tennis matches.

Murray has regularly cut a tense figure during Djokovic’s run at Melbourne Park, appearing deep in thought about how he can help the seventh seed land a record 25th Grand Slam title.

His relief at the Serb edging past Alcaraz, 21, showed with a heavy exhale of breath.

Then came the moment when Djokovic, who had battled through an upper left leg injury to beat Spanish third seed Alcaraz, trudged over to hug his fist-pumping coach.

“This was a huge win for all of us – including Andy and myself for the relationship,” added Djokovic.

“That’s why I went to him because I felt very grateful that he’s there.”

After seeing his playing career decimated by a hip injury, three-time major champion Murray finally decided to call it quits last year following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The morning after the final match of his career, the Scot seemed genuine when he said he had no firm idea of what he wanted to do next.

But Murray revealed he had the unexpected conversation with Djokovic during a phone call in his car – shortly after telling a golfing partner he had no desire to move into coaching yet.

It was a “unique opportunity” which Murray could not turn down.

Before Djokovic’s quarter-final on Tuesday, Murray told BBC Sport he was enjoying the experience of what is initially a trial run in Melbourne.

“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day,” said Djokovic.

“We face challenges every single day. People don’t see that.

“We try to make the most out of every day and grow together.

“He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be.”

Djokovic continued his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win against the Czech 24th seed.

He will face Alcaraz in the last eight after the Spaniard progressed when British number one Jack Draper retired with a hip injury earlier on Sunday.

Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals, but the Serb got the better of the 21-year-old to win gold at the Paris Olympics last summer – Djokovic’s self-proclaimed “biggest sporting achievement”.

Djokovic was booed by the crowd as Lehecka threatened to force a fourth set, and the 11-time Australian Open champion was quick to leave Rod Laver Arena after his victory.

“Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your support and I will see you in the next round,” the 37-year-old said.

Speaking in a news conference afterwards, Djokovic clarified his reasons for swerving the usual on-court interview with four-time major winner Jim Courier.

He referred to the actions of Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones, who shouted “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” towards Djokovic fans while live on camera on Friday.

“A couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel 9 here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic said.

“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9.

“So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public.

“It was a very awkward situation for me.”

During his third-round win over Tomas Machac, Djokovic appeared exhausted at times and needed a medical timeout.

He looked fresher against Machac’s compatriot, taking control of the opening two sets and stopping Lehecka from earning a break point for more than an hour and 40 minutes.

When Lehecka broke back at the start of the third, an agitated Djokovic shouted towards his team – which includes his former rival Andy Murray – before complaining about noise from the stands while he was trying to serve.

But the seventh seed used the crowd to his advantage in the tie-break, conducting them after hitting a sublime backhand pass and cupping his ear after a deft volley brought up two match points.

“When you are feeling adversity the last couple matches, I think I handled it well,” Djokovic told Eurosport.

“Only people who have been there at the highest level understand what you have to deal with. There is a lot on the plate and you have to weather the storm when you are feeling challenged.”

Elsewhere, second seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to move into the last eight with a 6-1 2-6 6-3 6-2 victory over France’s Ugo Humbert.

Zverev, a runner-up at last year’s Roland Garros and the 2020 US Open, has now reached the quarter-final of a Grand Slam on 14 occasions but he has yet to lift a maiden major trophy.

The German will face American 12th seed Tommy Paul, who needed just 87 minutes to wrap up a confident 6-1 6-1 6-1 win against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The 37-year-old was made to work in his 430th Grand Slam singles match but he emerged triumphant, beating qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2.

The win gives Djokovic sole ownership of the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles matches played among men and women, and takes him past former rival Federer, who played his last major match at Wimbledon in 2021.

“I love this sport. I love competition,” Djokovic said when asked about the milestone.

“I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level.

“Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record.”

The victory also meant the Serb became the first man over the age of 30 to reach 150 Grand Slam singles wins.

Djokovic can make further history still in Melbourne – win the title and he would claim a 25th major, moving him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court as the sole leader of all-time Grand Slam singles titles.

The seventh seed, who has three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in his coaching box, will face Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in the third round.

The Serb beat 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2.

Djokovic, 37, has enlisted the help of his former long-term rival as he pursues a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, as well as a 25th major which would put him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of all-time victories.

“I’m thrilled to have him in my corner,” said Djokovic, who will face Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the second round at Melbourne Park.

“I must say that it’s a bit strange to have him courtside in my box. We played for over 20 years against each other at the highest level, so it’s nice to have him on my side of the net.”

Murray, often found berating his own coaching box and shouting at himself on court as a player, cut a composed figure in Djokovic’s box on Rod Laver.

All eyes were on the coaching pod – a new innovation at the Australian Open which allows players to have coaching staff courtside – where Murray sat with three other members of Djokovic’s team, offering gentle encouragement as the 24-time Grand Slam champion navigated losing the first set and applauding points won in key moments.

“He gave me some great advice during the match,” said Djokovic. “It’s really nice to be able to exchange some feedback. It’s been a really nice experience, hopefully we don’t stop here.”

Djokovic, seeded seventh in Melbourne, struggled to find his rhythm in the first set against Basavareddy, making uncharacteristic errors in crucial moments.

The last time Djokovic lost in the first round of a Grand Slam was against Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open, just a few months after Basavareddy was born.

In a curious full-circle moment, Goldstein went on to become Basavareddy’s head coach at Stanford University.

The teenager idolises Djokovic and was impressive as he showed no signs of nervousness as he battled his way to a break of serve and took the opening set.

But as the second set wore on Basavareddy started to cramp and fatigue set in as Djokovic reduced the error count and romped to the second and third sets.

Djokovic and Murray had a lengthy chat before the start of the fourth with the latter appearing to offer advice on Djokovic’s backhand and he cruised through the fourth set to take victory.

Djokovic can be ‘greatest athlete of all time’

Murray, who is just seven days older than Djokovic, called time on his own playing career in August last year at the Paris Olympics.

He spent the following months at home with his wife and children as well as honing his skills on the golf course when he got the phone call from Djokovic asking him to join his coaching team.

It was announced in November that the surprise partnership would be in full effect at the Australian Open as Djokovic searches for the extra edge on his pursuit of history.

“Novak has in the last few years cemented himself as the best tennis player of all time, certainly of his generation, with the records that he’s achieved,” said Murray.

“These next couple of years, I think he maybe already has a legitimate claim to be the best athlete of all time.

“But I think, if he can go out as a 38, 39-year-old and win more slams and beat [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner in big matches, he’s got a claim to be the best athlete of all time and I think that’s exciting for me and his team to be part of that.”

Local reporters unsuccessfully demanded further explanation as the 37-year-old Serb walked out of a pre-Australian Open news conference which ended in bizarre fashion.

Djokovic, a record 10-time men’s champion at Melbourne Park, was deported from the Australian city in 2022 after arriving without a vaccination against Covid-19.

The deportation came when he failed to overturn a decision from the Australian government to cancel his visa on public health grounds.

In an interview with GQ magazine published on Thursday, Djokovic said he had “some health issues” when he returned to Serbia.

“I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” he added.

“I had a really high level of heavy metal. Heavy metal. I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury.”

The Australian Border Force has not responded to the accusations.

“For privacy reasons, we cannot comment on individual cases,” the Department of Home Affairs told BBC Sport.

What happened in the news conference?

Djokovic’s news conference on Friday had been wrapped up by a moderator before the player said he would answer another question from an Australian reporter.

She asked Djokovic if he had evidence to support his claim the food he was served while detained in the Park Hotel caused the heavy metal levels.

“I’ve done that interview many months ago,” he replied.

“I would appreciate not talking more in detail about that, as I would like to focus on the tennis and why I’m here.”

Djokovic flew to Australia at the end of December and told Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper this week he still feels “trauma” when he arrives in the country.

Shortly before Djokovic was deported in 2022, a newspaper poll found 71% of Australians believed he should be deported but he received a warm welcome when he returned to Melbourne Park in 2023.

On Friday, Australian player Nick Kyrgios said the country “shouldn’t have” deported Djokovic.

What do the food experts say?

One Australian academic, speaking to the Guardian, said Djokovic’s claim was a “wild accusation”.

“It’s possible but very unlikely given how long he was locked up,” said Damian Maganja, research fellow in food policy at the George Institute for Global Health.

“These meals were probably made in mass amounts and there haven’t been other reports as far as I know.”

Djokovic was sent to an immigration hotel where refugees and asylum seekers had long complained of poor conditions.

In December 2022, shortly before Djokovic had arrived at the Park Hotel, detainees had complained about finding maggots in their food.

By the time Djokovic was sent there, the hotel had been certified and licensed by the City of Melbourne local authority as a food service premises. It was subject to auditing and inspection by the city’s Department of Health.

Detainees are said to have had access to a variety of food and beverages, which was deemed nutritious, culturally appropriate and met any specific medical or dietary requirements.

Djokovic has long been known to eat a gluten and dairy-free diet, while following a largely plant-based nutritional regime – which he has regularly cited as a recipe for his success.

Fish and shellfish commonly have higher levels of mercury than other foods, according to the NHS.

The 37-year-old, who is the defending champion in Paris, has won a record 40 Masters titles in his career along with his 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic is still in contention to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin next month, but is currently sixth in the race for the eight-man field event with a number of players still able to overtake him.

“Unfortunately I won’t be playing the Paris Masters this year,” Djokovic posted on social media.

“I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles and I hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there.”

For the first time since 2017, Djokovic will end the season without a Grand Slam title after victories for Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the four majors.

However, Djokovic did win his first Olympic gold medal in Paris in August.

The 37-year-old Serb lost the opening three games against America’s world number 43, but bounced back to take the first set on a tie-break.

Djokovic then stumbled with victory in sight, forced into another tie-break after letting a 4-1 lead slip in the second set, before finally seeing off 20-year-old Michelsen 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (11-9).

The fourth seed joins the ATP Tour’s top two players, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, in the third round following their wins earlier on Saturday.

“It was a first match against Alex and I also hadn’t played in a while, so it took me time to get the rust off,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who had played just one Davis Cup qualifier since losing to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin at Flushing Meadows.

“He started terrifically. It was a very close encounter and I also thought it was a quite a high level of tennis.”

Michelsen had two points to take the match into a deciding set, including when serving at 9-8 up in the second-set tie-break, but unforced errors cost him.

Djokovic, who played with heavy strapping on his right knee, eventually capitalised on Michelsen’s mistakes to claim victory on his first match in China since 2019 as he bids for his 100th tour-level title.

“I’m just glad to keep my calm when it mattered and glad to be really challenged by a young player,” he added. “Now I’m looking forward to the next one.”

The world number four will next play either 22-year-old Italian Flavio Cobolli or Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka.​​​​​​​

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are both seeking their first Shanghai Masters title

Earlier on Saturday, Italy’s world number one Sinner and Spanish rival Alcaraz both enjoyed comfortable victories in their opening matches at the Shanghai Masters – just three days after contesting a dramatic China Open final.

Sinner, 23, bounced back from losing to Alcaraz in Beijing, cruising to a 6-1 6-4 victory over Japan’s Taro Daniel at the ATP 1,000 event.

The top seed took just one hour and 17 minutes to book his place in the third round and followed a similarly destructive display from third seed Alcaraz, who was on court a minute less in his 6-2 6-2 win over China’s Shang Juncheng.

It was the 21-year-old’s 10th consecutive victory, with his China Open title following wins for Team Europe at the Laver Cup in September.

“I’ve been playing really good tennis lately and I’m just trying to keep that up,” said four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who has won four titles on the ATP Tour this year.

He will next play China’s world number 560 Yibing Wu, while Sinner will face 37th-ranked Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round following the Argentine’s 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 7-5 win over the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp. At three hours and 43 minutes, it was the longest match in the tournament’s history.

Elsewhere, Russian sixth seed Andrey Rublev fell to a 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 6-3 defeat by the Czech Republic’s Jakub Mensik.

Play was cancelled early on the outside courts because of rain, but Alexander Zverev’s match against Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci continued under a roof on the venue’s main stadium court.

The 27-year-old German second seed clinched a 6-4 6-2 win to set up a third-round meeting with either Australia’s world number 28 Jordan Thompson or Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.

One more major would give Djokovic sole ownership of the all-time record for the most major singles titles. He is currently tied with Margaret Court on 24.

The 37-year-old won 6-2 6-2 6-4 in his first match since clinching Olympic gold 23 days ago.

Serbia’s Djokovic, who has swept up almost every title there is in tennis, described the triumph in Paris as his “biggest sporting achievement”.

However, he is still searching for a first Grand Slam title this year, having won at least one every year since 2017.

Speaking before the match, defending champion Djokovic joked that he wanted to “avenge” his two younger brothers – Djordje and Marko – who both lost to Moldova’s Albot in the past.

“I feel like there was so much at stake – I feel like there was revenge for my younger brothers,” Djokovic, who had never faced Albot before, told ESPN afterwards.

He will face compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round on Wednesday.​​​​​​​

There are areas to improve on for Djokovic despite the comfortable scoreline – he hit 10 double faults and 40 unforced errors, along with putting just 47% of his first serves into play.

Playing under a closed roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic needed 33 minutes to win the opening set, going a double break up before serving out the opener.

Despite the positive start, the four-time US Open champion gestured angrily towards his player’s box throughout the match and appeared to be bothered by the humid conditions.

He was still wearing the knee support that he has used since having surgery on the area in June.

After conceding serve early in the second set, Albot managed to break back and level at 2-2 before Djokovic won the next four games.

The world number 138 kept Djokovic at bay for slightly longer in the third set, fending off five break points, but the reigning champion finally broke through the resistance at 3-3 before wrapping up victory as the clock struck midnight in New York.

“I love playing night sessions but maybe not this late,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

“Nevertheless it was great fun and I want to thank everyone for staying.”

The victory also allowed Djokovic to set another record – the most wins (78) by a male player on Flushing Meadows’ main showcourt.

“It’s the biggest stadium. Definitely the loudest we have in the history of our sport,” Djokovic added.

“The night sessions are the best in the world on Arthur Ashe.”

The world number one twice tested positive for clostebol – a steroid that can be used to build muscle mass – in March.

The Italian was cleared of fault or negligence by a tribunal last week, with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) finding Sinner had been inadvertently contaminated with the substance by physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi.

Naldi had been applying an over-the-counter spray – given to him by fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara – to a cut on his own hand before then carrying out treatments on Sinner.

The 23-year-old, who is no longer working with the pair, was given an automatic provisional suspension when he tested positive but was able to keep playing after successfully appealing against it.

Some players have suggested Sinner received special treatment and, speaking before the US Open, world number two Djokovic said: “I understand the frustration of the players is there because of a lack of consistency.

“As I understood, his case was cleared the moment basically it was announced. But I think five or six months [had] passed since the news [of the positive tests] was brought to him and his team.

“So, yeah, there is a lot of issues in the system,” added the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “We see a lack of standardised and clear protocols. I can understand the sentiments of a lot of players that are questioning whether they are treated the same.

“Hopefully the governing bodies of our sport will be able to learn from this case and have a better approach for the future. I think collectively there has to be a change.”

The decision not to sanction Sinner following the positive tests has been criticised on social media by a number of players including Australian Nick Kyrgios, Britain’s Liam Broady and Canada’s Denis Shapovalov.

Australian Open champion Sinner will be the top seed at the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, which begins on Monday.

“Many players – without naming any of them – have had similar or pretty much the same cases, where they haven’t had the same outcome,” added Serbia’s Djokovic, 37.

“Now the question is whether it is a case of the funds, whether a player can afford to pay a significant amount of money for a law firm that would then more efficiently represent his or her case.

“I don’t know. Is that a case or not? That’s something really I feel like we have to collectively investigate more, to look into the system and understand how these cases don’t happen, meaning not the case itself, but how we can standardise everything so that every player, regardless of his ranking or status or profile, is able to get the same kind of treatment.”

Djokovic, who has won a men’s record 24 majors and swept up every title there is in tennis, finally clinched Olympic gold at his fifth Games.

The Serb, 37, put in his best performance of the year to beat French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in front of a packed crowd in Paris.

He sealed the title with a forehand winner, then turned towards his box – arms outstretched in disbelief – before throwing his racquet to the floor after a draining match which lasted just under three hours.

After hugging Spain’s Alcaraz, Djokovic immediately burst into tears and fell to his knees in the middle of the court.

He then unfurled a Serbian flag and clambered into the stands to celebrate with his family and support team.

Djokovic is just the fifth player to win the ‘Golden Slam’ in singles – all four majors and the Olympic title – after Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.

“Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” said Djokovic.

“Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport.

“It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had.”

Alcaraz, 21, was also in tears after the match, but will leave with a silver medal on his Olympic debut.

Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti is the singles bronze medallist, having beaten Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada on Friday.

Djokovic completes tennis with stunning win

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Novak Djokovic was swept aside by Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final but turned the tables at Roland Garros

This moment will mean as much to Djokovic, if not more, than all the Grand Slams, Masters 1,000 titles and ATP tournaments he has won.

He left this same court at Roland Garros two months ago needing knee surgery, which put his Olympic dream at risk, and his reaction after Sunday’s win showed what it meant.

His family watched on from the stands, bearing Serbian flags, with daughter Tara carrying a sign that said “Dad is the best”.

Djokovic has spoken about seeing the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport, and the emotions of representing his country have affected him in his past four Games.

He won singles bronze in Beijing in 2008, finished fourth at London 2012, suffered an emotional early loss in Rio in 2016 and lost the bronze-medal match in Tokyo three years ago.

However, Djokovic did not drop a set in Paris and was focused from the outset, determined to get his hands on the one prize that had eluded him for so long.

The final match itself was a test of his determination – he was on the back foot in the first set but did not give in, saving all eight break points he faced and taking advantage as Alcaraz faltered in both tie-breaks.

Asked if he had ‘completed’ tennis, Djokovic said: “Yes it’s complete because I completed all the achievements with this gold medal, but no because I love this sport. I don’t play only to win the tournaments.

“I don’t know about the future, I really want to be in the present moment to celebrate. It was a long journey, many, many years of dreaming to be holding the gold medal. So now it’s about happiness, joy and celebration.”

It was played in a superb spirit, with both players often left laughing at the quality of the other’s shot-making.

The crowd was equally split between Spanish fans, decked in flags, and Serbia supporters carrying signs with “Nole” – Djokovic’s nickname – written on.

An electric atmosphere added to the tension – Alcaraz looked the more nervous and had to save a break point in his opening game, but he pushed Djokovic to the limit with his mix of touch and power.

However, Djokovic simply would not give in. He played some of his best tennis when down break point and, after taking the first set, was full of confidence.

There was the occasional gesture towards his support box – who responded by telling him to keep his head up and stay positive – but on the whole, Djokovic was as dialled in as he has been all year.

It has been a difficult season for Djokovic. He lost in the Australian Open semi-finals to Italy’s Jannik Sinner, had an indifferent hard-court swing, needed knee surgery after injuring himself at Roland Garros and was completely outplayed in his first final of the season at Wimbledon.

However, that will only make this victory that much sweeter for a man who shows no sign of stopping – and has not ruled out competing at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Italy win women’s doubles gold

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Sara Errani (left) and Jasmine Paolini were seeded third at Paris 2024

Elsewhere, Italy took gold in the women’s doubles as Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani beat Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider – the Russian pair playing under a neutral banner.

Andreeva and Shnaider are the first Russian athletes to medal at Paris 2024.

They were beaten 2-6 6-1 10-7 by Wimbledon finalist Paolini and former doubles world number one Errani.

Spain’s Cristina Bucsa and Sara Sorribes Tormo beat Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova 6-2 6-2 in the bronze-medal match.

A repeat of last year’s showpiece, it failed to live up to the five-set thriller of 12 months ago as Djokovic appeared mostly helpless against the dominant Spaniard.

After squandering three championship points when trying to serve out the victory, Alcaraz held his arms aloft after battling through the third-set tie-break for a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win.

“Honestly, it is a dream for me winning this trophy,” said Alcaraz.

“I did an interview when I was 11 and I said my dream is to win Wimbledon.”

Gracious in defeat, Djokovic shared a smile and warm embrace with Alcaraz at the net after the comprehensive defeat.

For a second straight year, Djokovic was attempting to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s titles.

The 24-time major winner was also trying to move ahead of Margaret Court to take sole ownership of the all-time record for the most Grand Slam singles titles.

As tradition now dictates, Alcaraz climbed up to the players’ box and was leapt upon by his team and family, celebrating a 14th consecutive match win at Wimbledon.

The result continues the four-time major winner’s 100% record in Grand Slam finals, while he becomes the youngest man to win at Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.

In an impressive display, the 37-year-old stayed on course for a record-equalling eighth men’s singles title at Wimbledon with a comprehensive 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory on Centre Court.

Musetti, 22, had one chance to get the break back in the final set but sent a forehand into the top of the net and then crouched down with his head in his hands, knowing the end was near.

Djokovic made sure his opponent did not get another opportunity.

He forced the Italian under pressure, with Musetti sending a shot long as Djokovic calmly walked to the net, showing no signs of celebration, but knowing he had reached his 37th Grand Slam final and 10th at Wimbledon.

The Serb then moved his racquet over his shoulder and imitated playing a violin, in a gesture aimed at his six-year-old daughter Tara, with television cameras showing her grinning along.

Some fans, however, started booing, thinking Djokovic, who produced the same celebration following his win over Holger Rune in the last 16, was being disrespectful to Musetti.

Alcaraz beat Djokovic in last year’s showpiece, winning 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in a five-set epic, which lasted four hours 42 minutes and is regarded one of the best matches in the tournament’s history.

The pair meet again on Sunday in what could be another amazing chapter in Wimbledon folklore.

‘Alcaraz as complete a player as they come’

Asked about Spaniard Alcaraz, Djokovic said: “He’s a great example of a player that has an all-round balance, he has a great team around him, great values in his life, a lot of charisma and is someone who carries himself superbly – and that’s one of the reasons why is so popular.

“He’s one of the greatest 21-year-olds we’ve ever seen and we’re going to see a lot of him in the future, no doubt. He’s going to win many Grand Slams, but hopefully not in two days. He can do it when I retire.”

Djokovic, who is 16 years older than Alcaraz, added: “He already beat me here in a Wimbledon final in a five-set thriller so I don’t expect anything less than a huge battle.

“He is as complete a player as they come, so it’s going to take the best of my ability to beat him.”

Could this be Djokovic’s greatest success?

Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles, but this one would surely be the most remarkable of them all if he could defeat Alcaraz on Centre Court.

The Serb had to withdraw injured from May’s French Open before his quarter-final after suffering a medial meniscus tear in his right knee.

Djokovic underwent surgery in early June and his participation in this tournament was in doubt. Yet now he is just one match away from not only equalling Roger Federer’s tally of eight Wimbledon titles, but also surpassing Margaret Court’s total of 24 Grand Slam championships.

“There was plenty of doubt,” admitted Djokovic. “I came into London eight days before the tournament started. I didn’t know [if I would play] and was keeping everything open until the day of the draw.

“I played a couple of practice sets with top players and that proved to me I was in a good enough state to not just be in Wimbledon, but to go deep into the tournament. That kind of mentality is there and is ever present. Thank you to the team members for helping me.”

Djokovic was playing for the first time since Monday when he beat Denmark’s Rune in the last 16, but then accused some of the fans of disrespecting him.

Some supporters were chanting the Dane’s name, but stretching out the start of it, with Djokovic saying it was used as an opportunity to boo him.

There had been fears the same thing might happen on Friday, using Musetti’s name, in an attempt to unsettle Djokovic. But the match was largely played amid a wonderful atmosphere with both players receiving plenty of support and applause when merited.

There threatened to be a flashpoint in the third set when a point was challenged, with Djokovic unhappy, and a delay to the action led to some boos heard from a few fans.

But the situation was soon dealt with, before Djokovic glared at a fan who called out when he was playing a shot shortly after he had just failed to take a match point. Again, the tension quickly passed as the match was played to a conclusion.

Musetti fought back from a set and a break of serve down to beat American 13th seed Fritz 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 3-6 6-1 in a thrilling quarter-final.

Asked what the victory meant to him, Italy’s Musetti said: “After the birth of my son, I will put this in the second position.

“Of course, for my career it is the best day of my life.”

Djokovic had earlier moved into the final four without having to take to the court after scheduled opponent Alex de Minaur, the Australian ninth seed, withdrew because of a hip injury.

Musetti’s record against Djokovic, who he will face on Friday, is not a good one. He has won just one of their six meetings, with losses in the French Open at both the last-16 phase in 2021 and round three in May.

Musetti described Djokovic as a “legend, especially here at Wimbledon”.

“I’m expecting a big, big fight and it’s one of the toughest challenges on tour but I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged,” he added.

Entertaining Musetti gains best win of career

Fritz had come into this match in great form after coming back from two sets down to beat fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the last 16.

On a packed Court One, and with the roof open, Fritz continued that momentum, holding off two break points in the opening game before securing the decisive break himself in the fourth game.

He broke the Italian’s serve again at the start of the second set, but the athletic Musetti, with an entertaining, attacking style and a great range of shots, showed his fighting spirit by instantly getting the break back.

Musetti missed a set-point chance in the 10th game of the second set, which went to a tie-break, but the 25th seed moved 4-1 ahead and stayed in front for the rest of it.

A third set was dominated by Musetti in his first Grand Slam quarter-final, but Fritz responded with some of his best tennis of the match in the fourth to force a decider.

Giving the nature of the previous four sets, it was then a surprise to see Musetti race clear into a 5-0 advantage as he closed in on the semi-finals. Fritz slipped and may have injured his knee as the Italian moved to match point, but he was able to face one more point, which Musetti won to seal a superb victory.

Fritz has now lost all four of his Grand Slam quarter-finals after exiting at this stage at Wimbledon two years ago, the US Open last year and the Australian Open in January.

Since the Open era began in 1968, the United States have had more men’s Wimbledon champions than any other nation with 15 successes, but Fritz’s elimination means another year has gone by without an American winner.

Musetti’s run is another great moment for Italian tennis. Jannik Sinner is the current world number one, Matteo Berrettini lost to Djokovic in the 2021 final, but there has never been an Italian men’s singles champion at Wimbledon.

Could that change this year?

Despite appearing to struggle with a stomach issue, Djokovic beat the 15th seed 6-3 6-4 6-2 on a rowdy Centre Court.

Rune received the backing of many in attendance, who cheered him along with drawn-out bellowing of his name which Djokovic angrily took to be booing.

“They were [disrespecting me],” Djokovic said.

“I don’t accept it. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo.

“I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years – trust me, I know all the tricks, I know how it works. You guys can’t touch me.”

The 37-year-old is going for an eighth Wimbledon title and record 25th Grand Slam overall.

He will next play Alex de Minaur, who booked his spot in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-3 win against France’s Arthur Fils.

The real drama of the day in the men’s singles came as American Taylor Fritz produced a magnificent escape act by battling from two sets down to beat fourth seed Alexander Zverev.​​​​​​​

Before Monday’s final match on Centre Court, Djokovic said there would be “fireworks” when he faced Rune.

The Dane had defeated Djokovic twice before – wins that helped establish him as one of the sport’s rising stars.

However, he rarely came close to troubling the second seed on this occasion, failing to make the most of just two break points.

Still sporting a knee support on his right leg following surgery in June, Djokovic got off to a lightning start, winning the first 12 points and assuming a 3-0 advantage.

Djokovic seemed to struggle with a stomach problem early in the second set, clutching his abdomen and taking deep breaths between points.

However, he was still able to assert control for the remainder of the match and secured the straightforward victory in a little over two hours.

Fritz comes back for ‘dream’ win against Zverev

Fritz, the 13th seed, gained a 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 victory over his German opponent Zverev on Centre Court prior to Djokovic’s evening match.

Zverev was aiming to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time and did not face a break point in the opening two sets.

But Fritz, 26, became the first player to break the Zverev serve at this tournament during the third set, before edging the fourth to move the match into a decider.

Zverev was wearing a support on his left knee after slipping in the late stages of his third-round win over Britain’s Cameron Norrie, and as he faded a crucial break went the way of Fritz in the fourth game of the final set.

For Fritz, a second appearance in the last eight at Wimbledon awaits him, two years after he lost to Rafael Nadal in a five-set thriller at that stage. It will be a fourth Grand Slam quarter-final in all for him, and he has yet to go further.

Zverev had been only two games away from victory in the third set but has now fallen at the last-16 stage of Wimbledon on three occasions after experiencing the same fate in 2017 and 2021.

“It was amazing to do that on Centre Court, two sets down in front of this crowd. It’s a dream,” said a victorious Fritz, who gained only the third win of his career from being two sets behind.

“I still felt I was playing really well despite being down two sets. I was just thinking it sucked to be playing this well and to lose in straights.

“It’s a second time in the quarter-finals, but this time I felt I earned it a lot more so I’m really excited for the chance.”

Musetti ends lucky loser’s excellent run

Next for Fritz will be Lorenzo Musetti, who reached his first Slam quarter-final by surging past lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard earlier in the day.

Italian 25th seed Musetti struggled against his big-serving French opponent in the first set before adapting his approach to win 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-2.

Defeat ended an impressive run for Mpetshi Perricard, who was attempting to become the first lucky loser, man or woman, to reach the singles quarter-finals of a Grand Slam.

An emotional Musetti said after his victory: “It is a really phenomenal day for me.”

Playing on his 21st birthday, Mpetshi Perricard entertained the court two crowd in the early stages with trick shots and huge serves.

He lost in the final round of qualifying before being handed a reprieve after withdrawals from the main draw, and then made eye-catching progress – until Musetti had too much for him.

The 22-year-old Musetti said: “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid. I always had a really beautiful family that always supported me.”

The win continues an impressive grass-court swing for Musetti, who was a runner-up to Tommy Paul at Queen’s Club last month.

Australian De Minaur, the ninth seed, booked his spot in the quarter-finals for the first time with a solid win over Fils on Court One.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is 16 years Rune’s senior but doesn’t underestimate the challenge the Dane will pose when they close proceedings on Centre Court.

“Rune’s a spectacular player, no doubt. He loves the big stage, loves playing on grass. I think he’s a very, very tricky opponent,” said second seed Djokovic.

The 37-year-old is going for an eighth Wimbledon title and record 25th Grand Slam overall.

“It’s going to take my best tennis to win,” he added.

“I actually get along very well with [Rune]. He’s a very nice guy, always has been to me and to my team, and vice versa.”

The pair have met five times previously, with Serb Djokovic winning on three occasions, including the two most recent, on hard courts in 2023.

“I always try to be available to him for any practice or advice or guidance or anything like that,” said Djokovic.

“I think we have quite similar styles of tennis. But when it comes to playing on the court and competing, obviously we both have that fire. I’m sure that on Monday, we’ll see a lot of fireworks on the court.”

Following knee surgery just weeks before arriving at SW19, Djokovic is yet to win a match in straight sets at the All England Club but Rune said he still expects a “tough battle”.

“I’m expecting nothing but a great level from him. I know he did his surgery, but honestly, I practised with him in the first week, and I saw him playing a little bit,” said the 15th seed.

“He seems like he’s playing very well, feeling confident.”

Elsewhere on day eight of the Championships, American 13th seed Taylor Fritz will take on German fifth seed Alexander Zverev on Centre Court while Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur opens play on Court One against France’s Arthur Fils.

Women’s singles draw wide open after shock exits

Kazakh fourth seed Elena Rybakina will open play on Centre Court against 17th seed Anna Kalinskaya with her sights fixed on the quarter-finals after a string of shock exits in the women’s draw.

After second seed Coco Gauff’s straight-set defeat by fellow American Emma Navarro on Sunday, 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina is the last of the top five seeds still in the competition.

Only two of the top 10 remain, with Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini through to the last eight.

Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva sent number one seed Iga Swiatek out on Saturday and her reward is an outing on Court One against Latvian 13th seed Jelena Ostapenko in round four.

American 11th seed Danielle Collins takes on Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova in the final match scheduled for Court One.

On court two, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, seeded 21st, will look to avoid slipping up against China’s Wang Xinyu.

After a slow start on Centre Court, Djokovic, who has 24 Grand Slam titles, won 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

He will play Holger Rune next after the Danish 15th seed mounted a comeback of his own, prevailing over Frenchman Quentin Halys in five sets having trailed by two.

“A very challenging match, I think mentally as well, to hang in there,” said Djokovic.

“I was not allowed to have too big concentration lapses. I think I’ve done well in that regard. That was one of the best tie-breaks I’ve played this year, that’s for sure.”

Popyrin, who had never been beyond the second round in four previous visits to Wimbledon, came out with intent and took the first set with a break of serve in game seven.

But a lengthy break before the start of the second set as the roof was closed played into Djokovic’s hands, as the Serb started to find his rhythm.

The 37-year-old, still sporting a knee support on his right leg following surgery in June, broke Popyrin in the fourth game.

There was a brief interruption to play late in the set when fans on Centre Court burst into celebration as England beat Switzerland on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

Fortunately, both players saw the funny side as Djokovic mimicked kicking a football and Popyrin raised his arms to imitate making a save.

Djokovic went on to wrap up the set with his 1,000th ace in the men’s singles at Wimbledon – just the sixth male player to achieve that feat.

Momentum remained with Djokovic in the third, breaking Popyrin in the first game, and he dropped just three points on serve before another ace sealed the set.

The fourth set proved a much tighter affair, with Djokovic missing three break points before a tie-break was required to settle the match.

“I didn’t expect anything less than what we experienced on the court today from Alexei,” Djokovic added.

“With that serve and powerful forehand, he’s dangerous on any surface.

“I knew he was in form and he was going to come out believing he can win. He was the better player in the first set. I think I played a good second and third and the fourth was anybody’s game.

Shelton ‘100% ready to go the distance’ again

Meanwhile, Ben Shelton says he is “100% ready to go the distance” again after coming through a third successive five-set match to reach the Wimbledon fourth round.

The American 14th seed defeated 2021 semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-2 on Court One.

Up next for Shelton is world number one Jannik Sinner on Sunday.

It will be a huge task for the 21-year-old, who has played on five of the six days in the Championships so far.

However, Shelton said he is “really excited” about facing the Italian and “always confident in my abilities, no matter who is on the other side of the net”.

He has followed in the footsteps of his father and coach Bryan, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon 30 years ago.

Resuming from Friday with Shelton leading 3-2 in the first set, both players held firm on their serve to set up a tie-break which the Canadian took.

Mistakes from Shelton put him on the back foot but he used an excitable crowd to take the next two sets with some fantastic serving.

However, Shapovalov fought back to force Shelton into another deciding set.

Buoyed by the American support in the crowd, Shelton produced a host of brilliant forehand winners to book his place in the last 16 in three hours and five minutes.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Eight-time men’s champion Roger Federer was in attendance on Court One alongside parents Robert and Lynette

Elsewhere, fifth seed Daniil Medvedev set up a meeting with 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov after beating German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1 6-3 4-6 7-6 (7-3).

Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard became the fifth lucky loser in the Open era to reach the fourth round with a 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win over 87th-ranked Emil Ruusuvuori.

Perricard’s reward is a meeting with Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Argentina’s Francisco Comesana 6-2 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

German fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie, will face Taylor Fritz in the fourth round after the American 13th seed won 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 7-5 against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.

Fellow Frenchman Ugo Humbert defeated American Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (11-9) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (8-6) and will play defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut beat Italy’s Fabio Fognini in another five-setter, coming through 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-5 6-7 (1-7) 4-6. He will play American 12th seed Tommy Paul on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur was handed a walkover when Frenchman Lucas Pouille withdrew with an abdominal injury before their third-round match.

De Minaur will meet Arthur Fils in round four after the unseeded Frenchman beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin 4-6 6-3 1-6 6-4 6-3.

Djokovic, seeking to equal Roger Federer’s men’s record of eight singles titles at SW19, beat Vit Kopriva 6-1 6-2 6-2 under the roof on Centre Court.

The Serb, 37, had an operation on a torn medial meniscus on 5 June, having aggravated the problem during the French Open.

He will next play British wildcard Jacob Fearnley.

Wearing a knee support on his right leg, Djokovic showed no signs of discomfort against the 27-year-old Czech qualifier, converting his sixth break point in a lengthy fourth game before racing through the rest of the first set.

He broke again early in the second set, stretching his right leg out to stay in a rally and then, in trademark style, converting defence into attack and forcing Kopriva into going long.

Three further breaks of serve hurried him to victory, Djokovic finishing the match with three consecutive aces as he moved to the next round in style.

“I tried to really focus on the game and not think about the knee too much,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion added in his on-court interview.

“Everything that I could do, I have done over the last three weeks, along with my team, to be able to play here for you today. I think if it was for any other tournament I probably would not have risked it, would not have rushed as much but I just love Wimbledon, love coming back here.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from Wednesday’s French Open quarter-final against Casper Ruud after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee during a fourth-round victory over Francisco Cerundolo.

Recovery is likely to take at least three weeks, meaning the Serb could potentially miss Wimbledon, which starts on 1 July.

The injury will also impact the 37-year-old’s preparations for the Olympic Games, which begin on 27 July in Paris.

“I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well,” Djokovic wrote on X.

“My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going.”

Djokovic is a seven-time Wimbledon champion and lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller in last year’s final.

He has, however, never won Olympic gold, and has made no secret that adding that title was a key priority for him this year.

“I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans,” Djokovic wrote alongside a picture of himself and his medical team.

“I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible.”

Djokovic will also lose his status as the world number one with Italy’s Jannik Sinner set to take his place.

Australian Open champion Sinner faces Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open semi-finals on Friday.

Djokovic will thus not face Ruud in the French Open quarter-finals and the Norwegian will progress to the final four.

“Due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee (discovered during an MRI scan performed today), Novak Djokovic… has been forced to withdraw from the Roland-Garros tournament,” French Open organisers said in a statement.

Djokovic has withdrawn from Roland-Garros due to a right knee injury.

Wishing Novak a speedy recovery ? pic.twitter.com/Ilb6HynTzw

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2024

As a result of the withdrawal, Djokovic will lose his number-one ranking and Jannik Sinner will become the new number-one next week.

Sinner will become Italy’s first men’s tennis world number one when he replaces the 24-time Grand Slam champion at the top of the ATP rankings next week.

Djokovic, 37, showed his supreme powers of recovery once again to come through a five-set marathon against Argentine 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round on Monday.

The world number one was hampered by the injury before winning 6-1 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3.

Djokovic will face Norwegian seventh seed Casper Ruud, who the Serb beat in last year’s final, in the last eight on Wednesday.

“At one point I didn’t know if I should continue,” said Djokovic.

“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow or if I’ll be able to step out on the court and play. I hope so. Let’s see what happens.”

For the second time in three days, the 24-time major champion fought back from a two-sets-to-one deficit.

The fourth-round match with Cerundolo started at about 4pm local time on Monday, little over 36 hours after his previous contest against Lorenzo Musetti finished at 03:07 on Sunday morning.

But Djokovic still had the mental and physical resilience to win another gruelling encounter lasting four hours and 39 minutes.

The top seed broke out into a beaming smile when he sealed victory, pointing to his chest and then to the court in celebration.

It was Djokovic’s 370th victory at a Grand Slam tournament, putting him clear of his great rival Roger Federer.

“I don’t know how I won,” the three-time Roland Garros champion said.

Roland Garros clay ‘screwed up’ Djokovic’s knee

While Djokovic had moved in a “positive direction” after straight-set wins in his opening two matches, the exertions of beating Musetti led to questions about his shape against Cerundolo.

Finishing in the early hours also reopened a long-running discussion about why tennis finishes so late and the impact on the welfare of the players.

Djokovic looked tetchy and uncomfortable from the start.

Before the match he was wearing tape behind his right knee and needed treatment on the same leg early in the second set, laying out on the court as the physio assessed him.

Djokovic was heard telling the physio that he had “screwed up” his knee, adding: “I’m slipping and sliding all the time.”

He was given painkillers and called the physio to his chair several more times over the rest of the match.

“I had slight discomfort in the right knee for a couple of weeks but it was not an injury which was concerning – until today,” Djokovic said.

“The late finish did not help the sleeping, the biorhythm and recovery, but I actually felt good in the circumstances.

“Then I slipped, one of the many times I slipped, and that affected the knee. I started feeling the pain.

“The reason why I continued was because I wanted to see if an extra anti-inflammatory was going to kick in and reduce the limitations – which is what happened.”

How Djokovic avoided earliest exit since 2009

Write off Djokovic at your peril. So many times he has looked on the brink, so many times he has produced a logic-defying victory.

But even after seeing countless comebacks over the years, the manner in which he beat Cerundolo – at this stage of his career – was still remarkable.

Djokovic arrived at Roland Garros on the back of a turbulent season, having played below his lofty expectations and not reached a final, as well as parting ways with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic.

Djokovic was breathing heavily and limping around the court as he looked set to suffer his earliest Roland Garros exit since a third-round defeat in 2009.

It would also have been his earliest exit at a Grand Slam tournament since the 2020 US Open – when he was defaulted after accidentally hitting a ball at a line judge.

But, after going a break down in the fourth and trailing 4-2, he fought back to level at 4-4 and struck again when Cerundolo served to stay in the set.

Now moving better and acting less demonstratively, Djokovic broke for 2-0 in the decider and it looked like he could race away to victory.

Cerundolo was not finished as he aimed to reach his first major quarter-final, though.

The 25-year-old Argentine instantly put the set back on serve, but Djokovic exerted more pressure to break again for 5-3 and serve out another memorable win.

Later, Ruud teed up a repeat of last year’s final with a 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 6-4 6-2 win over American 12th seed Taylor Fritz.

In a third-round contest that did not start until 22:37 on Saturday, towards the end of a rain-affected day at Roland Garros, the defending champion fought back from two sets to one down to win 7-5 6-7 (6-8) 2-6 6-3 6-0.

The 37-year-old from Serbia appeared to be on the brink of exiting the tournament at the hands of an inspired Musetti, the 30th seed.

But a rejuvenated Djokovic found fresh momentum midway through the fourth set, reeling off six consecutive breaks of serve to force – and then ease to victory in – a decider.

There was a warm embrace between the pair at the conclusion of the match, with Djokovic joining the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd in applauding his 22-year-old opponent in what was the latest finish in French Open history.

Victory in four hours and 29 minutes continued the world number one’s bid for a fourth French Open crown and he will play 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the last 16.

“I don’t want to get into it [the schedule]. I have my opinions but I think there are great things to talk about in this match today,” said Djokovic.

“Both Lorenzo and my performances stand out so I don’t want to be talking about the schedule. I think some things could have been handled a different way but there’s also a beauty in winning a match [so late].”

As a teenager, Musetti pushed Djokovic close in the fourth round at Roland Garros in 2021 before retiring injured in the fifth set.

The 22-year-old started quickly on this occasion too, breaking serve in the third game of the match, although Djokovic responded immediately in kind and then outlasted his opponent in a lengthy rally to convert his first set point.

But Musetti fought back from 4-1 in the second set and saved a set point on Djokovic’s serve in the tie-break on his way to levelling the match, before then breaking twice in the third set to move within one of victory.

At 2-2 in the fourth, while Musetti’s level barely dropped, Djokovic drew on his many years of experience to find an extra gear and victory was wrapped up with a stunning crosscourt forehand return winner.

A video on social media showed world number one Djokovic falling to the floor after being hit by the object, which came from the stands.

Tournament organisers said the hard bottle had fallen out of the bag of someone in the crowd.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion stayed on the ground for a while before being helped out of the arena in Rome by security.

“This is not being treated as a deliberate act, but as an accident,” said tournament organisers in statement reported by PA.

“A boy was calling out to get an autograph and the bottle fell out of his bag.

“Novak has undergone the necessary checks and has already left to return to his hotel. His condition is not a cause for concern.”

A further video was posted that seemed to show a fan leaning over to get an autograph, with the bottle slipping out of his rucksack.

The incident happened as Djokovic approached supporters in the stands following his 6-3 6-1 win over France’s Corentin Moutet.

He was signing a sheet of paper for a fan when the water bottle struck him on the top of the head.

Djokovic is due to play Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo on Sunday in the next round.

Boulter beaten by Slovakian qualifier

Katie Boulter was knocked out in the second round of the women’s singles in Rome after a 6-4 7-6 (10-8) defeat to Slovakian qualifier Rebecca Sramkova.

Boulter – seeded 26th for the tournament – was broken twice by the world number 120 early in the first set as she struggled for rhythm.

The British number one managed to steal a break back but Sramkova was able to close out the first set.

Boulter fought back from two breaks down in the second set but squandered an opportunity to square the match when she was 5-4 up.

The 27-year-old saved three match points in the tie-break before Sramkova came out on top in two hours and seven minutes.

In the men’s doubles, Jamie Murray and Michael Venus wrapped up a 6-4 6-3 victory over Lloyd Glasspool and Jean-Julien Rojer to reach the second round.

Heather Watson and Xu Yifan suffered a first-round exit in the women’s doubles after a 6-3 1-6 10-8 defeat to Zheng Saisai and Wang Xinyu.

The Serb, seeking a 25th Grand Slam to move past Margaret Court’s record of 24, won 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-2 6-3 in hot conditions to reach the semi-finals.

He will play on Friday against Italian fourth seed Jannik Sinner, who defeated Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

“I suffered a lot in the first couple of sets,” top seed Djokovic, 36, said.

“I said [to my team] that this match was not an enjoyable match for me at all.

“It was really difficult to find the right timing. It was really hot while the sun was still out.

“We all know Taylor has got one of the best serves in the world. I knew the kind of threat he poses when he serves on such a high quality.”

Djokovic has won his past 33 singles matches at Melbourne Park and is a clear favourite to defend his title.

Sinner beat Rublev 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in a match that finished at close to 01:30 local time on Wednesday morning after the start of the night session was pushed back to 21:00.

The singles matches on Rod Laver Arena did not start until 13:00. Coco Gauff’s win against Marta Kostyuk in the women’s quarter-finals took more than three hours before Djokovic needed almost four to beat Fritz, though Aryna Sabalenka made quick work of her 6-2 6-3 win over Barbora Krejcikova.

Djokovic keeps focus to come through

Djokovic calls the Australian Open his “second home”, such has been his dominance over the years, and this was another masterful display as he saw off the latest younger challenger.

His most recent defeat in Melbourne remains a fourth-round loss against South Korea’s Chung Hyeon in 2018.

With the match starting about 17:00 local time in temperatures of 31C, Djokovic coolly created eight break points in the opening set but became increasingly flustered as he was unable to take any of them.

Djokovic – looking overheated, regularly using ice towels and shouting towards his team – was almost punished when 26-year-old Fritz created two set points at 6-5 with a stunning forehand winner down the line.

However, Djokovic regained his composure to save them and lay the platform to pounce in the tie-break.

Helped by Fritz missing a simple volley for 1-0, Djokovic quickly asserted his authority and wrapped up the opening set after one hour 24 minutes.

Fritz, who had lost all eight of his previous meetings with Djokovic, responded valiantly.

A break of serve in the first game of the second set, before fighting off seven break points, enabled Fritz to level the match.

But he started to be hampered by a foot issue and Djokovic, looking strong as the conditions cooled, broke twice to win the third set.

Now completely in control, Djokovic was under little pressure on his serve and, when he broke for 4-2 in the fourth, the match looked to be heading towards a conclusion.

Fritz rallied once more by immediately breaking serve, but Djokovic broke again before serving out strongly.

‘I’m happy I can play the number one in the world’

Sinner lost to Djokovic in the Wimbledon semi-finals in July and the Italian matched his best performance at a Grand Slam with victory over Rublev in the early hours of Wednesday.

Rublev failed to take two breakpoint chances in the fourth game of the first set, with Sinner then breaking his opponent’s serve minutes later for what proved to be the decisive moment in the opener.

The second set went to a tie-break and Rublev, who has now lost all 10 of his Grand Slam quarter-finals, held a 5-1 advantage before Sinner won six successive points to extend his lead.

Sinner then broke Rublev’s serve in the sixth game of the third set, with the Russian unable to claw the match back.

Sinner had appeared to be struggling with a stomach injury in the second set and was delighted to see off the threat of Rublev.

“It is obviously very tough to play against Andrey Rublev,” he said. “We had some very tough matches already in the past. This was three sets but I could have lost both [first and second] sets.

“I want to thank everyone for staying so long. It’s always a huge pleasure to play here on this court. It doesn’t really matter about the time.

“I’m really excited when we always have these pressure points in. I’m just really trying to stay aggressive and it went my way.”

On Friday’s semi-final with Djokovic, Sinner said: “I’m really lucky to face him again and this is one of the biggest tournaments in the world. I’m happy I can play the number one in the world.

“He won here [many] times so it’s going to be tough. The only thing I can control is I’m going to fight for every ball and then we’ll see what happens.”

In Wednesday’s quarter-final ties, Polish ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz faces two-time finalist and third seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia, before German sixth seed Alexander Zverev plays Spanish world number two Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, claimed a dominant 6-0 6-0 6-3 win in one hour and 44 minutes.

“The first two sets were the best I have played in a while,” Djokovic said.

The 36-year-old will face 12th seed Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals after the American beat last year’s finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Until Mannarino won the second game of the third set, Djokovic was on course to be the first player to win all three sets without dropping a game at a Grand Slam since 1993 – a feat never achieved at the Australian Open.

When Mannarino did clinch the game, the Rod Laver Arena crowd cheered wildly and the Frenchman broke into a huge smile.

“I really wanted to lose that game because the tension was building up in the stadium,” Djokovic joked afterwards.

“I needed to get that one out of the way so I could refocus on what I needed to do to close out the match. I played great from the first to the last point.”

An 11th title in Melbourne would take Djokovic clear of Margaret Court’s all-time record number of 24 Grand Slam wins.

Djokovic had dropped sets in the first two rounds and said he was struggling with an illness but found form against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round.

However, he repeatedly came out on top against Mannarino, whose three previous matches in the tournament had all been won over five sets, by forcing long rallies.

“The last couple of days have been really good,” Djokovic said.

“It is going in a positive direction health-wise and tennis-wise so I am really pleased with where I am at the moment.

“All in all, a great performance.”

Up next for Djokovic is Fritz, who beat Greek seventh seed Tsitsipas 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-3 6-3 to reach his first Australian Open quarter-final.

Fritz and Djokovic met in the third round of the 2021 Australian Open, with the Serb winning in five sets.

Djokovic has won all eight of their previous matches, including a straight-set victory at the 2023 US Open.

The world number one beat unseeded Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-3 in straightforward fashion.

It is the 36-year-old’s sixth title of 2023, which includes three Grand Slam crowns and the Masters trophy in Cincinnati.

“It’s incredible to be able to win it after quite challenging circumstances this week,” said Djokovic.

“I basically came back from the brink of losing three matches in a row so I’m very proud of this one considering what I’ve been through this week.”

Djokovic has been dominant on hard courts this season, winning 33 matches and only losing once.

Playing in his 58th Masters final, the Serb was hardly challenged by Bulgarian Dimitrov, ranked 17th in the world, who was playing in only his second Masters final.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion only needed one break to take the first set with Dimitrov, 32, hitting a lame backhand into the net at close range to hand Djokovic the advantage.

Djokovic was met with a wall of cheers and some boos from the Bercy crowd after serving out the first set, and smiled as he made a gesture with his hands towards the crowd asking for more.

Former world number three Dimitrov could not reproduce the strong form he had shown during the week, hitting 19 unforced errors in the first set compared with 10 from Djokovic.

The second set continued in the same fashion as Djokovic serenely made his way to victory with a double break.

Next up for Djokovic will be the season-ending ATP Tour Finals in Turin, where he will be heavy favourite to lift a record-breaking seventh title and be confirmed as the year-end number-one player in the world for a record-extending eighth time.

Earlier on Sunday in the doubles final, Mexican Santiago Gonzalez and Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin won their second Masters title of the year with victory over Indian-Australian pairing Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden.

The seventh seeds triumphed 6-2 5-7 10-7 over the third seeds.

Elsewhere, Britain’s Jack Draper secured his first title of an injury-hit season by beating David Goffin 1-6 7-6 (6-3) 6-3 to win the Bergamo Challenger in Italy.

The Davis Cup Finals take place in two weeks’ time, and with Dan Evans ruled out through injury, 21-year-old Draper is likely to play an important role in the GB team.

Serbia’s Djokovic, who had not played since a Davis Cup match on 15 September, won 6-3 6-2 against Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

The 24-time major champion will face Tallon Griekspoor in the last 16.

Third seed Daniil Medvedev appeared to raise his middle finger to the crowd after he lost to Grigor Dimitrov.

Medvedev, 27, reacted to being booed by the French fans having eventually buckled against the Bulgarian, who took his seventh match point to clinch a 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-2) win.

The jeers towards Medvedev started when he flung his racquet in the second set and he refused to continue until the boos stopped, leading to a time violation from umpire Renaud Lichtenstein and a subsequent argument.

Asked about the gesture as he walked off court, the former world number one said: “I just checked my nails, it’s nothing more than that. Why would I do that to this beautiful crowd in Paris?”

The Russian’s defeat means the two leading seeds behind Djokovic are already out, with Spanish second seed Carlos Alcaraz suffering a shock exit against 45th-ranked Roman Safiullin on Tuesday.

Djokovic, 36, further boosted his chances of finishing above Alcaraz as the year-end number one with his winning return to the tour.

Having not played a tour-level singles match since lifting the US Open title on 10 September, Djokovic looked sharp throughout against world number 31 Etcheverry.

Djokovic, showing his usual precise hitting and athleticism, won three of seven break points and saved the only one he faced.

Sinner wins late as Rune, Zverev & Tsitsipas progress

Italian fourth seed Italian Jannik Sinner battled back to beat American Mackenzie McDonald in a match which finished at 02:37 local time.

Sinner, who triumphed at last week’s Vienna Open, lost a first-set tie-break but progressed 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 6-1 after edging the second and closing out victory by winning five successive games.

The 22-year-old is due back on court on Thursday against Australian Alex de Minaur in the fourth match of the day session.

“I lost the first set in a bad way and I’m still getting used to the conditions, but I’m happy about the win and to be in the next round,” Sinner said.

“It was tough going on court after midnight, but it was nice to still have some crowd watching.”

Danish sixth seed Holger Rune, who beat Djokovic in last year’s final, started his title defence with a 6-4 6-2 win over Austria’s Dominic Thiem.

Rune also moved a step closer to securing his place at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, as did Greek seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas with an impressive win over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Serving well under pressure to save six of seven break points, 25-year-old Tsitsipas earned a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) success to reach the last 16.

Tsitsipas will next play German 10th seed Alexander Zverev, who it was reported on Tuesday has been charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend.

Zverev, who is aiming to book his spot in Turin, saved 11 break points before France’s Ugo Humbert took his next two chances to level the match and move a break up in the decider.

But 26-year-old Zverev fought back to seal a 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-5) win after three hours and 28 minutes.

Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz became the first man since 2019 to hit 1,000 aces in a single season as he beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3 6-2.

Australia’s De Minaur progressed by beating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 4-6 6-4 6-4 in what was the 200th win of his career.

Murray misses out on Turin & Skupski splits with Koolhof

British doubles player Jamie Murray saw his hopes of reaching the ATP Finals ended by a second-round defeat in Paris.

Murray, 37, and New Zealand’s Michael Venus, who are ninth in the race with the top eight qualifying for Turin, lost 6-4 6-3 to Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez and France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

Meanwhile, Britain’s world number three Neal Skupski is looking for a new partner for the 2024 season after Dutchman Wesley Koolhof ended their successful partnership.

The pair won the Wimbledon title earlier this year and could still finish the season as the world’s best pair, but Koolhof has decided to team up again with his former partner Nikola Mektic of Croatia.