Alcaraz and Djokovic are highlight reels and attention magnets. When they play each other, every ounce of energy is on the task at hand

Novak Djokovic beat young rival Carlos Alcaraz 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 in a gladiatorial battle worthy of a title clash to charge into the Australian Open semi-finals on Tuesday and remain in the hunt for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

More remarkably: Djokovic has now advanced to his fiftieth major semifinal, after beating Alcaraz in a grueling four-set match that went to about 1:00 am local time in Melbourne. That number sets yet another Djokovic record in men’s tennis, further cementing the athlete’s legendary status.