In the Australian Open matchup, Carlos Alcaraz is defeated by Novak Djokovic as he strives for his 25th Grand Slam title.

On Tuesday, Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, bringing him one step closer to claiming a record 25th Grand Slam title.

The match between Djokovic and a rising star lasted over three and a half hours until the early morning hours. Djokovic, who reached his 12th semifinal in Melbourne, considered the game deserving of a final.

"I wish this match was the final after my 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory," he said, "One of the most epic matches I've played on this court. On any court."

The age difference of 16 years between Djokovic and Alcaraz has made their matchup resemble the contests between the "Big Three."

Djokovic stated after the match that Carlos brings a lot of energy and intensity on the court and requires his opponents to give their best in order to have a chance to win against him.

"I'm sure we will see him a lot," he said, "but maybe not as much as I would prefer."

Despite being only 21 years old, Alcaraz has already won four Grand Slam titles. Meanwhile, at 37, Djokovic is still on track to make more history.

No other men's tennis player has won more Australian Open titles than he has, which is 10. Additionally, he holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins with 24, and a victory in Melbourne would increase that total.

Djokovic moves on to face No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev on Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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