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For many years, Djokovic has defied the aging process with his stamina and skill.
This was the most recent example, at a time when few had predicted it.
It seemed time had finally begun to catch up with a player aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s singles champion in history.
Last year was the first since 2017 – and just the second since 2010 – in which he did not win one of the sport’s four main awards.
Questions had already been raised about his ability to outlast the best of his younger opponents, namely Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner, in five sets.
Their aura of invincibility at Melbourne Park was damaged last year when Sinner dominated the semi-final to end their 33-match winning streak at the venue.
Alcaraz then defeated him in the Wimbledon final, albeit in a match that came less than six weeks after Djokovic had surgery for a torn knee.
However, Djokovic won his last match against Alcaraz, putting in a ferocious display at the Olympics to claim a gold medal that had previously eluded him.
A more patient approach in Tuesday’s first set was quickly replaced after he pinched something to hit a drop-shot.
Employing more aggression was a risk-reward strategy, but necessary given his physical condition. It paid off.
Djokovic hit 11 winners, including a gritty backhand on set point to level the match, as he successfully fought his way through a barrage of Alcaraz dropshots.
Alcaraz’s service games at the beginning of the third set continued to come under intense attack. He collapsed when Djokovic broke serve for 4-2, and the third seed lost serve again at 5-3 after he had seemingly rescued the situation.
Djokovic used the momentum to break the break in the first game of the fourth set, which ultimately proved decisive.
After surviving three break points and recovering from a series of long points that sapped his energy, Djokovic held his nerve to claim a memorable victory.
On being ready to play again on Friday, he said: “I’m worried physically, but if I can somehow manage to be physically prepared, mentally and emotionally I will be as prepared as possible.”
