Novak Djokovic paid tribute to coach Sir Andy Murray after overcoming young sensation Carlos Alcaraz in a performance to rank with anything he produced against former rivals Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Murray himself.

An outsider for this quarter-final with every bookmaker and almost every pundit, Djokovic nevertheless found a rich streak of inspiration as he recovered from a thigh issue that afflicted him in the first set and scored a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

In one of tennis’s typical late-night finishes, Alcaraz’s final forehand hit the net just shy of 1am local time. The cameras caught Murray puffing his cheeks out in relief as Djokovic came charging towards him in triumph, red-faced and wide-eyed. These two giants of the game have bonded in Melbourne over the past couple of weeks and the challenging nature of this victory will only bring them closer.

Credit: X / Eurosport / The Australian Open

“This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, you know, for the relationship,” said Djokovic, when asked about this gesture. “Yeah, that’s why I went to him, because I just felt very grateful that he’s there.

“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. 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. So it was a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the fact that he’s out there, and he doesn’t need to be.”

This was Djokovic’s first win over a top-10 opponent at a major in 16 months, and it proved that he can still mix it with the best of the next generation as he approaches his 38th birthday.

Alcaraz put up stern resistance, playing his part in some astonishing rallies, but once Djokovic had overcome his early physical issues with the help of strapping and anti-inflammatories, he settled into the same punishing rhythm that had overcome the Spaniard in the Olympic final.

His serving was particularly sharp, as he pushed Alcaraz out wide time and again to open up the court. The whole performance was a strategic masterpiece which he presumably cooked up after consulting with Murray.

There were many extraordinary highlight-reel moments, the most memorable of them being a 33-shot rally as he pushed for a second break in the fourth set. That one ended with both players hunched over, gasping for air, and Alcaraz laughing in disbelief at the quality of the exchange.

Then there was the set point at the end of the third set, where Alcaraz lobbed Djokovic, who stumbled as he turned to chase the ball but still managed to put up a return lob of his own. Again, Alcaraz could only smile at the improbability of what had just hit him.

Alcaraz pushed hard to get back on terms, hoping to take the older man into a fifth set. But Djokovic – who enjoyed the majority of the crowd’s support – was just too precise, rolling on to victory in three hours and 37 minutes.

He always seemed to have an extra card up his sleeve when he needed it, whether it be a serve-and-volley on break point down, or a readiness to gamble by hitting his second serve like a first serve. In his urgent need to avoid a fifth set, he abandoned his usual habit of playing the percentages and went for broke. Almost every risk seemed to pay off.

Alcaraz was self-critical about his own performance, saying: “I felt like I was controlling the match, and I let him get into the match again. I’m going to say that’s was the biggest mistake that I made today. I had to push him a little bit more just to the limit, and I didn’t.”

But it is notoriously difficult not to get distracted when you are playing an injured opponent, and he admitted that he has suffered from this syndrome. “When you seeing someone that is struggling physically a little bit, in your mind you’re thinking, ‘Okay, I have not to make mistakes’,” he said. “Probably you’re not hitting the ball at the same way that you’re hitting before. I’m not saying, like, he made a show. I just saying that … everybody saw that he’s struggling in the second set.”

Djokovic backed up this point, saying: “Look, I feel for him. I understand that it’s not comfortable to play someone that you don’t know if he’s going to retire or not. Is he moving? Is he running? What’s happening? I felt that he was looking at me more than he was looking at himself.”

As the ageing hero making a last stand, Djokovic is probably more popular here than ever before. He must now have a realistic chance of adding a 25th major title to his peerless CV, but his low seeding – he is only seventh in the world – means that he came up against Alcaraz earlier than usual.

Two more rounds remain, the first against Alexander Zverev on Friday, and the second potentially against world No 1 Jannik Sinner. No wonder Djokovic said afterwards: “I wish this had been the final.”

When asked for more details about his injury, he explained it had been similar to the 3cm hamstring tear he fought through on the way to his 10th Australian Open title two years ago.

He said: “The accident happened physically with me in the end of the first [set]. I’m concerned. to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough [in the next round], I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.”

Djokovic also said the issue had forced him to be more positive, adding: “I think it does help mentally, because you just all of a sudden start to play a bit more aggressive, you go through your shots more. I guess that’s going to be necessary for me in a couple of days time when I face Zverev in the semi.”

02:27 PM GMT

An incredible encounter

02:25 PM GMT

Could Djokovic claim number 100 against Zverev?

02:24 PM GMT

Unforgettable

Four-time major winner Jim Courier has described this encounter as “another unforgettable experience as a tennis fan”. A fairly good description of what we have just witnessed.

02:22 PM GMT

Next up for Djokovic

The Serbian has beaten the third seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and will now take on second seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. Zverev beat American Tommy Paul in four sets earlier today.

02:19 PM GMT

Appreciation between Sir Andy Murray and Carlos Alcaraz post-match

02:17 PM GMT

Quite some records

02:15 PM GMT

Tim Henman on Eurosport

02:13 PM GMT

More from Djokovic

02:09 PM GMT

End of the road this year in Melbourne for Carlos Alcaraz

02:08 PM GMT

The thoughts of Novak Djokovic

01:57 PM GMT

Novak Djokovic into Australian Open semi-finals

It is tight through this crucial game but Alcaraz goes long at 30-30 to give Djokovic match point. Silence descends around the Rod Laver Arena.

Alcaraz hits into the net and Djokovic has won it! The Serbian wins the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 and is into the semi-finals on his quest to win an 11th Australian Open.

Alcaraz’s journey ends and he will have to wait at least another year to complete the set.

01:51 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 5-4 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

Alcaraz is not done yet though as an ace takes him 40-15 up. He sees out the game with ease and keeps the match alive. He has to break Djokovic’s serve or the match is done.

01:48 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 5-3 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic still knows all he needs to do to win the match now is hold serve but Alcaraz is not giving up. A strong start on Djokovic’s serve gives Alcaraz a 0-30 lead and then 15-40. Two break points and the crowd is getting behind Alcaraz. There are still plenty of Djokovic supporters but the majority in the crowd are Alcaraz fans.

Alcaraz cannot take the first break point and Djokovic saves the second to take us to deuce, re-energising the Serbian faithful.

Djokovic then has advantage but has gone down. He is unfazed by that as he holds serve. He came back from 15-40 down to win the game. He is one game away now from the semi-finals.

01:38 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-3 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

It is a non-negotiable here that Alcaraz needs to hold and he races to 40-15 up. A double fault though will make this slightly more nervy that it should have been. He then tries the drop shot but it does not make its way over the net and somehow this game goes to deuce.

Against the odds Djokovic now has the break point in this game. Yet another thrilling rally ensues and on this occasion Alcaraz is the man who wins the point at the end of it. On so many occasions in this match Djokovic is the one who has won those points but not that time. 33 shots of some of the best tennis you will see. Both players take a moment and Alcaraz smiles.

Alcaraz wins the next two points and holds serve. Could that change the momentum with Alcaraz and the crowd energised?

01:30 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-2 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

We head into the fourth hour of the match. Alcaraz has shown signs of frustration, kicking the ball away after a lost point on occasions.

But he responds from being 0-30 down to bring it level at 30-30. A superb ace though from Djokovic takes him to within a point of the game. However Alcaraz takes us to deuce after another fantastic rally, full of powerful shots that is ultimately decided though by deft touch from Alcaraz.

A strong Djokovic serve gives him advantage but Alcaraz keeps it alive with a stunning forehand, which gets him and the crowd going. Plenty of emotion from Alcaraz after that shot to take us back to deuce.

Alcaraz then goes long on his return and Djokovic moves back to advantage. Alcaraz gets a huge slice of luck though as his shot hits the net on his return and just makes its way over.

Another advantage comes for Djokovic and this time he takes it as Alcaraz goes long.

01:18 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-2 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

We have been treated to some stunning tennis here and some amazing rallies, the latest won by a fantastic forehand by Alcaraz to move 30-0 up. Another sublime forehand takes him to 40-0 up and ace down the middle seals an emphatic game.

01:15 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-1 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

How Alcaraz would love to get a break right now? A sensational forehand down the line from the Spaniard makes it 15-15. Alcaraz keeps the game tight at 30-30 and then wins the next point as Djokovic double faults. This is Alcaraz’s chance with a break point. Another stunning rally ensues and Djokovic stays in the game and saves the break to take us to deuce.

Djokovic wins the next two points and goes 3-1 up in this fourth set. Alcaraz thought he might be about to win the point but as he approached the net he stumbled making his way back to meet Djokovic’s return and could not get his return back over the net.

01:07 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2-1 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

Alcaraz desperately needs a respond and has to start putting some games together now or else this match will be away from him.

He moves to 40-15 up and this time sees it out with ease. He has had plenty of tough service games of late but that was relatively comfortable.

01:04 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2-0 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic moves 40-15 up on serve but Alcaraz just about keeps the game alive with a fantastic backhand down the line that was in just, and I mean just! But only alive for another point and Djokovic sees out the game and is 2-0 up in this fourth set.

12:59 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 1-0 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

Alcaraz will serve at the start of the fourth set, a set he simply has to win to stay alive in this match but this is not the start he wanted as he finds himself 15-40 down and Djokovic has two break points after another thrilling rally. Alcaraz saves the first but not the second he goes long. Djokovic breaks Alcaraz’s serve and the momentum is with the Serb.

We have just seen images of Alcaraz in between sets struggling with his right leg, perhaps some cramp creeping in.

12:54 PM GMT

Djokovic wins third set 6-3

A double fault from Djokovic and, having been on serve for a period at the start of this set, now both serves are under pressure. A deft drop shot mid-air from Alcaraz results in him moving to 0-30 up. Djokovic responds though by winning the next two points to bring it level at 30-30.

After a brilliant rally, Djokovic wins the point as Alcaraz hits the net and the Serbian now has set point.

The Rod Laver Arena is treated to another amazing rally, which Alcaraz looks certain to win but somehow Djokovic does and he claims set three 6-3. He is now one set away from the semi-finals.

12:48 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 5-3 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

We have had breaks in the last two games and are we set for a third in succession? Djokovic has three break points and Alcaraz visibly shows his frustration. Djokovic only needs one with a terrific forehand at the end of a 22-shot rally and he puts his finger to his ear to some in the crowd who perhaps have been giving him some grief. Djokovic will now be serving for the set.

12:43 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 4-3 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

This is what Alcaraz needed at the start of this game as he wins the first two points to races to 0-30 up. Then a double fault from Djokovic gives Alcaraz three break points, which he must take. Djokovic saves the first and the second but not the third as Alcaraz breaks straight back.

12:39 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 4-2 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

Alcaraz races to 40-15 up on serve but Djokovic stays alive for now as Alcaraz hits into the net. Again the Spaniard hits the net and we go to deuce. Alcaraz had the chance to wrap this game up but instead is being made to work for it by Djokovic.

Definitely not the time to double fault for Alcaraz and Djokovic, who was 40-15 down, has break point and takes it as for the third time in the game Alcaraz smashes into the net. That is the first break of this set and now Djokovic has a massive opportunity, knowing all he has to do now is hold his serve and will claim the third set.

12:33 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 3-2 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic’s strong hold on his serve continues as races through another service game, dropping just one point in that game. We stay on serve in set three.

12:29 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 2-2 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

After going 0-30 down, Alcaraz receives a time violation as he takes his time to just settle down and re-set.

The Spaniard then responds by winning the next two points and we are level at 30-30.

A superb forehand return down the line though from Djokovic gives him a break point, which he cannot take as hits the net.

Djokovic misses wide and now Alcaraz has the advantage, which he does take with a powerful forehand down the line. Me thinks we might be on for a five-setter? Do you agree? You can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

12:22 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 2-1 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic has really helped himself out in this match with the strength of his serve. Considering his mobility is slightly affected, the quality of serves has meant he has been able to conserve energy and win points without using much energy up.

Once again he holds serve with relative ease. At the moment quite often Djokovic is easing through his serve whilst Alcaraz is having to dig deep to hold his.

12:18 PM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 1-1 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

Alcaraz had moved to 30-0 up on his own serve but Djokovic brings it level at 30-30 and then somehow wins the next point when Alcaraz looked destined to win that point. A terrific backhand whilst scrambling around gives him a break point. Alcaraz saves the break point though as Djokovic hits into the net. I was just about to say that Djokovic was getting his movement back but then there are certain moments when Djokovic struggles to stretch.

Djokovic though has another break point opportunity as Alcaraz hits into the net but again the Spaniard saves it. A terrific forehand then gives Alcaraz advantage, which he takes as Djokovic smashes straight into the net when he had an opportunity to take it to deuce.

12:11 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic will serve at the start of this third set. He moves to 30-0 up and must think he is about to go 40-0 up with a drop shot but Alcaraz responds with a great shot of his own.

Djokovic is 40-15 up and with a great chance to start the set in perfect fashion but Alcaraz fights back by winning the next two points to take us to deuce.

However Djokovic wins the next two points to hold serve.

12:05 PM GMT

Djokovic claims second set 6-4

Could we be on for a break of serve here? Djokovic hits a 143km/h forehand to move 0-30 up and then goes to 0-40 up with three set points.

A fantastic backhand return down the line from Djokovic breaks Alcaraz’s serve and the Serb wins set two 6-4. One set each in this thrilling quarter-final.

12:01 PM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 5-4 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

That is a stunning shot from Alcaraz down the line with his forehand as Djokovic tried to come towards the net.

Alcaraz then tries to be super aggressive as he ran towards the net but his return hits the net. A good tactic that did not work on this occasion.

Djokovic then wins the next point with a backhand smash over his head, still able to show some mobility. The Serb then moves to 40-15 up and sees out the game as Alcaraz goes wide, just! Djokovic is one game away from taking the second set, should he break Alcaraz’s serve.

11:56 AM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 4-4 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

You can visibly see the strapping Djokovic has now on his upper left leg that he got put on during the medical timeout in set one.

Alcaraz will be relieved that this service game is a whole lot easier than his last as he races through the game to love.

11:53 AM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 4-3 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

After an enthralling, long game Djokovic races to 40-0 up on serve but Alcaraz responds by winning the next two points to put some pressure on the Serb. But Djokovic sees out the game and moves 4-3 up in set two.

11:49 AM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 3-3 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

You would imagine one of Alcaraz’s main tactics now will be to move Djokovic around the court and test his fitness out. An errant backhand down the line from Djokovic gives Alcaraz a 40-15 lead and a point away from 3-3 in this second set. Alcaraz hits into the net though and Djokovic is staying alive in this game. Another mistake into the net and we go to deuce, which will frustrate Alcaraz considering he was 40-15 up.

Djokovic wins a third straight point as Alcaraz goes wide and now has a very unlikely break point. After a great rally, Alcaraz brings Djokovic to the rally with a deft drop shot and then seals the point with a powerful forehand cross-court. You could see Djokovic struggle in his movement to get to the net.

Djokovic then goes long and Alcaraz has the advantage, which he cannot take as Djokovic gets some fortune off the net. We go back to deuce but Alcaraz earns an advantage once more. Alcaraz spurns it again as he goes long.

It is then Djokovic with the break point as Alcaraz commits a double fault at just the wrong moment. A superb serve though from Alcaraz takes us to a fifth deuce of the game.

Djokovic goes long and another advantage for Alcaraz, which this time he finally takes with a cute drop shot that Djokovic gives up chasing. Alcaraz has come from 0-3 down in this second set to bring it level at 3-3.

11:37 AM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 3-2 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic has a simple forehand to win the point to move to 30-15 up but somehow hits the net and it is Alcaraz who moves 15-30 up. Alcaraz is then extremely unhappy that he felt the referee stopped because Djokovic stopped. I think it was fairly clear the serve hit the net but Alcaraz was not impressed by when let was called.

A few points later Djokovic goes long and Alcaraz has a break point, which he takes as Djokovic goes wide. Djokovic probably should have won that point but the break goes Alcaraz’s way and suddenly this second set looks very different as Alcaraz has the chance on serve to move level in set two.

11:32 AM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 3-1 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

It has been all Djokovic in this second set so far but Alcaraz races through that game to love on serve, which included a 206km/h ace; his fastest of the match so far. That game went by in a flash! Blink and you missed it!

11:29 AM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 3-0 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic looks like he is about to win a third straight game with ease but after a high shot from Alcaraz to stay alive in the point Djokovic smashes straight into the net. Good survival skills from Alcaraz has brought him from 40-15 down to deuce.

A terrific Djokovic serve gives him advantage and he takes it after putting Alcaraz under constant pressure during that rally. He has bounced back from losing that first set and is halfway now to claiming the second set.

11:24 AM GMT

Djokovic 4-6, 2-0 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

Alcaraz moves to 40-30 up on his serve but a sensational forehand return by Djokovic on a second serve from Alcaraz takes us to deuce. Djokovic follows that up with another stunning forehand return and he now has break point.

Make that three straight sensational forehands and Djokovic takes the break. He may have lost the first set and had to take a medical timeout already but is now 2-0 up in this second set. A reminder though he was 2-0 up in the first set as well and lost that 4-6.

11:18 AM GMT

Djokovic* 4-6, 1-0 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic eases his way to the first game of the second set as he holds serve to love.

11:15 AM GMT

Alcaraz wins the first set 6-4

That is not exactly what Djokovic wanted on his first point back on. An electric serve from Alcaraz does not allow Djokovic to get a return back in play. Alcaraz then races through that game, finishing it off with an ace down the middle and that is the first set. Advantage to the Spaniard after set one. He was 0-2 down in the early stages of that set but has fought back well to win the set and Djokovic is struggling with a knock, which we will have to wait and see how much of an effect that will have on him.

11:09 AM GMT

Medical timeout

Djokovic is currently off the court after summoning some medical attention. He has shown a few signs of discomfort and this would confirm that. He did look uncomfortable during his third-round match against Tomas Machac but recovered from that. We will have to wait and see how he is tonight.

11:06 AM GMT

Djokovic* 4-5 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Alcaraz thinks he is about to win the first point of this latest game at the net but Djokovic races up towards the net and plays a neat shot down the line to take the point.

Alcaraz then wins the next two points, the latest at the end of a sensational rally as both players moved around the court so well.

Alcaraz then thinks he has has moved 15-40 up and the chance of two break points, which could have been a massive moment in this first set, but it is just long.

Djokovic wins the next point and now has game point but goes long so we move to deuce. Djokovic hits into the net and Alcaraz now does have a break point. If he were to take this, he would be one service game away from the first set.

After another stunning rally, Alcaraz cannot hand on and Djokovic keeps the game alive by taking us back to deuce. Interestingly Alcaraz hangs back on Djokovic’s second serve but his two shots on that point are superb, especially the second which was a backhand winner to earn his second break point but again we go back to deuce.

A bad mistake from Djokovic then hands a third break point to Alcaraz which he takes this time as Djokovic goes wide. A massive break and Alcaraz will be serving now for the first set.

10:56 AM GMT

Djokovic 4-4 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

More unforced errors from Alcaraz allows Djokovic to move to 15-30 up but Alcaraz takes it to 30-30.

A lovely, deft drop shot from Alcaraz sees him move ahead to 40-30 and then Djokovic hits his return on the next point into the net so it is 4-4 in the first set. Alcaraz bounced back from being behind in that game to hold serve. The Spaniard has combined some superb shots with some very sloppy unforced errors you just simply do not associated with him.

10:51 AM GMT

Djokovic* 4-3 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic holds serve pretty easily there, dropping just one point on his latest service game. We predicted it would be tight in this match and so far it is proving to be the case.

Just a few signs of frustration from Alcaraz but understandable in such a high-stakes game. I suspect we might see similar from Djokovic at times in this match as well.

10:48 AM GMT

Djokovic 3-3 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

Alcaraz has hit some stunning shots but also made errors you would never expect him to make but he still moves 40-30 up. Realistically without mistakes he would already have won this game but still has the opportunity to do so here. He is unable to do so after a terrific exchange of backhands cross-court from both players ends in Alcaraz hitting into the net so we move to deuce.

Alcaraz is looking a little confused that a shot from Djokovic mid-rally was not called long. It does not matter though as Alcaraz goes on to win the next two points and again we are all square at 3-3 in set one. Not only is the Rod Laver Arena full for this massive tussle but the big screen outside has plenty of people glued to it.

10:41 AM GMT

Djokovic* 3-2 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

There may have been some uncharacteristic mistakes so far but that they are ramping it up now. Alcaraz plays a cracking forehand down the line, with that shot being hit at a whopping 164km/h!

However Djokovic moves to 40-15 up on his serve. Alcaraz keeps it alive with a superb forehand cross-court that just about landed in. Alcaraz wins the next point after Djokovic’s shot hit the net and went out so we move to deuce.

Djokovic though responds by winning the next two points and holds serve. Tight match, as we expected.

10:36 AM GMT

Djokovic 2-2 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

After a nervy start in his first service game, Alcaraz find some rhythm this time racing to 40-15 up. Djokovic hits wide going for a backhand down the line and Alcaraz wraps up the game with relative ease to bring us level in this first set.

10:32 AM GMT

Djokovic* 2-1 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Despite losing the first two games of the match, Alcaraz does take a 15-30 lead on Djokovic’s serve and then moves to 30-40 to earn a break point of his own.

After a high-quality rally, a superb backhand down the line from Alcaraz sees him break Djokovic’s serve and win his first game of the match. There have been a number of unforced errors from both players so far but that was a quality rally.

10:27 AM GMT

Djokovic 2-0 Alcaraz* (*denotes server)

How will Alcaraz respond on his first service game? Not ideally as he loses the first two points with some uncharacteristic unforced errors.

Alcaraz responds though by showing deft touch with an unbelievable shot on the stretch down to his left when he may have lost that point to go 0-40 down on serve. Alcaraz wins the next point but another unforced error gives Djokovic a break point.

Another error from Alcaraz gifts Djokovic the break and the early advantage is with the Serbian in this match.

10:23 AM GMT

Djokovic* 1-0 Alcaraz (*denotes server)

Djokovic will serve first and he wins the first point of the match as Alcaraz’s return goes long. Djokovic then races to 40-0 up before Alcaraz finally registers his first point of the match to stay alive in this first game.

Djokovic makes another error, hitting just wide, and Alcaraz brings it back to 40-30 but Djokovic holds serve to win the first game of the match.

10:18 AM GMT

Ready for action

Warm-ups out of the way and it is time to go. Sit back, relax and enjoy a thriller from Melbourne!

10:15 AM GMT

Revenge?

These two met in the Olympic final in Paris last summer with Novak Djokovic coming out on top to take the gold medal. Djokovic leads the head-to-heads 4-3. Will Carlos Alcaraz get his revenge or can Djokovic move one step further to a 25th grand slam tournament?

10:13 AM GMT

Walk-ons

We are in store for one hell of a match. First to be welcomed out onto the court is Carlos Alcaraz, seeking his first Australian Open title and aiming to complete the set.

Then 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic makes his way out.

Time for some warm-ups.

10:06 AM GMT

Rod Laver Arena already treated

If you were successful in getting a ticket for the evening session today at the Rod Laver Arena you were very lucky. The crowd have just witnessed a great tussle in the women’s quarter-finals as defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has fought past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets to book her place in the semi-finals.

Next up obviously is Djokovic taking on Alcaraz.

09:59 AM GMT

G’day tennis fans

And welcome to coverage of this men’s quarter-final between Novak Djokovic, the 10-time Australian Open champion, and Carlos Alcaraz who has four major singles titles on his growing palmarès.

Two rivals, at opposite ends of their careers, will face off against each other for the seventh time with a place in the semi-finals of the first major of the year on the line. Serbian Djokovic leads the head-to-head 4-3 and has never lost to the Spaniard on hard courts – 2-0.

The pair met twice last year, first in the Wimbledon final where Alcaraz came out on top in straight sets, and then a month later in Paris, where Djokovic secured victory and Olympic gold in two tie-breaks.

Alcaraz, the third seed in Melbourne, has looked good in all four of his matches en route to the last eight, securing wins over Alexander Shevchenko in round one, Yoshihito Nishioka in round two and Nuno Borges in round three. Energy was preserved in his fourth-round match against Jack Draper after the Briton retired at the end of the second set – Alcaraz led 7-5, 6-1.

For Djokovic, his passage through to the quarter-finals has also been relatively smooth. But the 24-time major champion put himself at loggerheads with the tournament’s host broadcaster Channel Nine after refusing to do his on-court interview following his win over Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round. Read Simon Briggs’s take here.

Since dropping a set in his opening two rounds – first against wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy and then against qualifier Jaime Faria – the seventh-seeded Serbian has cleaned up his game, comfortably dispatching back-to-back Czech seeds in straights – 26th seed Tomas Machac followed by 24th seed Lehecka.

This is the earliest stage Djokovic and Alcaraz have met in any competition. Their previous encounters were all either semi-finals (three) or finals (four).