If Novak Djokovic manages to win the Australian Open this year, it will be a record-breaking feat for a number of reasons.
The Serbian superstar, 37, will stand alone in the sport with 25 career grand slam titles to his name, an achievement that may never be broken.
Aussie Margaret Court also has 24 majors to her name, one ahead of fellow tennis legend Serena Williams.
Rafael Nadal won 22 slams before retiring last year, two more than Swiss maestro Roger Federer.
And if Djokovic goes onto beat Alexander Zverev in their semi-final and then Jannik Sinner in the final – provided the Italian wins his next two matches – it will be the first time in men’s tennis history a player has defeated the three top seeds to hoist a grand slam trophy.
It follows Djokovic stunning third seed and highly fancied Carlos Alcaraz in four sets on Tuesday night.
If Novak Djokovic manages to win the Australian Open this year, it will be a record-breaking feat for a number of reasons
The Serbian superstar, 37, will stand alone in the sport with 25 career grand slam titles to his name (pictured, after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open)
Tennis fan Iain Macleod pointed out the daunting task that awaits Djokovic at Melbourne Park
German tennis great Steffi Graf achieved the impressive feat at the 1999 French Open when she toppled Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis to win the title.
Djokovic will have to dig deep if he is to feature in the men’s single final on Australia Day.
Against Alcaraz, Djokovic had his left thigh bandaged tightly, and spent much of the second set limping between points.
Being able to level proceedings in the second set proved crucial, as the 10-time Aussie grand slam winner admitted after the match.
‘The medication started to kick in, and it helped,’ Djokovic told reporters.
‘To be honest, if I lost that second set, I don’t know if I would have continued playing.’
Djokovic is renowned for his ability to overcome injury setbacks, as he did while he battled a wrist complaint at last year’s Australian Open before falling to Sinner in their semi-final.
On Rod Laver Arena, the Serb managed to defy a 16-year age gap to Alcaraz as he now inches towards a possible 11th Australian Open title.
Djokovic also conducted an on-court interview with Channel Nine’s Jim Courier after infamously boycotting the broadcaster after the furore over Tony Jones mocking him in a live cross on January 17.
‘I just wish this match today was a final,’ Djokovic told the crowd after the victory.
‘One of the most epic matches I have played on this court – on any court, really.’
