Djokovic Battles Past Alcaraz in Epic Dubai Semi-Final Thriller

Novak Djokovic proved that age is just a number with a breathtaking 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5 victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the Dubai Tennis Championships semifinals, setting up a mouth-watering final against Jannik Sinner on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Serbian, playing in his first tournament since a disappointing Australian Open quarterfinal exit, looked rejuvenated under the Dubai lights as he battled the world No. 2 for two hours and 47 minutes in what many are calling an instant classic. The match featured 47 winners from Djokovic and an incredible 52 from the 22-year-old Alcaraz, showcasing the generational clash at its finest.

Djokovic saved three match points in the deciding set, including a stunning cross-court backhand winner that had the packed crowd at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre on its feet. The seven-time Dubai champion showed his championship mettle when it mattered most, breaking Alcaraz serve at 6-5 before serving out the match with an ace down the middle.

This is why I still play tennis, Djokovic said in his on-court interview, struggling to catch his breath. Matches like these remind me why I fell in love with this sport. Carlos is an incredible competitor and will win many more Grand Slams, but tonight was my night.

Alcaraz, who had won their last three encounters, looked devastated after the loss but gracious in defeat. The young Spaniard had opportunities throughout the match, converting just 4 of 12 break points and missing a routine forehand on the first match point that would have sealed his spot in the final.

The victory sends Djokovic into his ninth Dubai final, where he will face Italian sensation Jannik Sinner, who earlier defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. Sinner, who captured his second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last month, presents another significant challenge for the aging champion.

The winner of Sunday final will claim $565,000 and crucial ranking points as the tour heads into the crucial hard-court swing before the clay-court season begins.