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For so many years, Djokovic has fought the aging process with his stamina and skill.
This was the ultimate example, at a time when few predicted it.
Time, it seemed, was finally catching up with a player aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s singles champion in history.
Last year was the first year since 2017 – and only the second since 2010 – that he did not win one of the sport’s four major awards.
There were already doubts about the best of his younger opponents – namely Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner – about his ability to last more than five sets.
His aura of invincibility at Melbourne Park was damaged last year when Sinner dominated his semi-final to end his 33-game winning streak.
Alcaraz then played in the Wimbledon final, albeit in a match that came just six weeks after Djokovic underwent surgery for a tear in his knee.
However, Djokovic won his final showdown with Alcaraz, delivering a gritty display at the Olympics to claim the gold medal that had previously eluded him.
A more patient approach was quickly replaced in the first set on Tuesday after something was tweaked to hit a shot.
Using more attacks was a risk-reward strategy, but necessary given his physical condition. He paid.
Djokovic hit 11 winners, including a sharp break back on match-tying point, as he successfully negotiated a flurry of shots from Alcaraz.
At the beginning of the third set, Alcaraz’s service games continued to burn. When Djokovic broke for 4-2, the third seed lost serve again for 5-3 after seemingly rescuing the situation.
Djokovic used the momentum to break in the first game of the fourth set – which was ultimately decisive.
After surviving three break points and recovering from a number of long, energy-sapping points, Djokovic held his nerve for a memorable win.
On being ready to play again on Friday, he said: “Physically I’m worried, but if I somehow manage to be physically ready, then mentally and emotionally I’m as ready as I can be.”
