A generation gap will develop and grow between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, but it’s not discernible yet, and it may never show on the hardcourts of Melbourne Park. For all the ways they represent generations and eras, the score here is Djokovic 10, Alcaraz 0. And only Djokovic can add to that this year.

It’s not happenstance. Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals, but he has never prevailed on a hardcourt. He might have to wait out the legendary Serb’s career. For now, hard is too hard. Djokovic is not ready to pass on the baton yet.

Novak Djokovic embraces Carlos Alcaraz after their quarter-final.Credit: Getty Images

Djokovic continues to defy gravity and succession. Know this: He turned pro a couple of months before Alcaraz was born. Know also that no man his age has won a major championship. He is now only two matches away.

This triumph – 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 – was classic Djokovic in one particular. It turned at a juncture that was both unlikely and likely. The first set was exquisitely poised when Djokovic appeared to tweak a groin muscle, left the court for treatment and returned with a heavy bandage on his left thigh. The injury proved manageable, but the set was beyond salvation.

Djokovic said later that he was playing on “one and [a] half legs”. He said that if he’d lost the second set, he might not have completed the........

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