Andy murray latest tennis results

For so many years, Djokovic has defied the ageing process with his endurance and dexterity.

This was the latest example – at a time when few had predicted it.

Time, it seemed, had eventually started to catch up with a player who is aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men's singles champion in history.

Last year was the first since 2017 – and only the second since 2010 – that he did not win one of the sport's four major prizes.

Doubts had already been raised about his ability to outlast the very best of his younger opponents – namely Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner - over five sets.

His aura of invincibility at Melbourne Park was damaged last year when Sinner dominated their semi-final to end his 33-match winning streak at the venue.

Then Alcaraz walloped him in the Wimbledon final – albeit in a match that came less than six weeks after Djokovic had surgery on a tear in his knee.

However, Djokovi