Alcaraz 2-6, 6-2, *1-2 Djokovic
What. A. Point. The rally leads to Djokovic wide, drilling an incredible backhand low, wide of the net and just inside the baseline — when Alcaraz suddenly appears from nowhere to flick it back into the open court.
Djokovic looks rueful. Alcaraz has that finger to his ear. Rod Laver Arena rises to its feet.
And that is just for 15-0.
Djokovic winces at a baseline backhand drifting long mid-rally to give Alcaraz 30-15, before the Spaniard slaps a forehand into the net after another sapping exchange.
“Nole, Nole!” cries the crowd. This final is hitting another level now. 30-30 …