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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jack Snape at Melbourne Park

Wounded Djokovic outlasts young gun Alcaraz to close in on history

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning a point against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic roars back from losing the first set to beat Carlos Alcaraz and qualify for the Australian Open semi-finals. Photograph: Joel Carrett/EPA

When the gunslinger takes a bullet, the movie tends to quicken. A shootout goes awry, the drama builds. Their stomach bloody. Their eyes blinking new resolve. The thoughts of the audience turn only to how long they can last.

This cinematic masterpiece was no exception. On Tuesday Novak Djokovic enjoyed top billing, back for another tilt long after doubters thought he was done. And the sheriff-slash-outlaw prevailed in a remarkable quarter-final pitting youth versus experience, then against now, present fighting future.

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