Star of the show: Djokovic leads as Australian Open takes off

A lack of high-quality matches and dramatic moments have left many complaining the Melbourne event has been a bit of a dud.

But the entertainment dished up on day 13 has finally ignited the opening major of the season.

Carlos Alcaraz's herculean effort to beat Alexander Zverev in Friday's first men's semi-final looked likely to be the headline act.

Though Novak Djokovic, never the type to play support, had other ideas.

The irrepressible 38-year-old produced one of the most jaw-dropping results of his career - no mean feat given everything he has achieved - to topple Jannik Sinner in the second semi-final and steal the show.

"I watched Alcaraz v Zverev, what an incredible match. We tried to match that intensity," Djokovic told the Melbourne crowd.

"I think you guys got your value for money on the tickets, that's for sure. I want 10% from tonight's tickets sold!"

The second week of the Australian Open had largely lacked jeopardy and excitement, with the top seeds rolling through the men's and women's singles in a series of straightforward wins.

Alcaraz beating Zverev was only the fourth match from the last 16 onwards - across both draws - to go longer than straight sets.

Another quickly followed. Djokovic emerged victorious from a pulsating contest which left thousands of Serbian fans dancing around Melbourne Park in disbelief at 1:30am.

"I first watched Novak here when I was nine years old - this is the most amazing feeling I've had," said 27-year-old Sasha Stanisic, who was among the hundreds watching on a big screen outside Rod Laver Arena.

"For me, this is a close second among his greatest achievements - just behind his win in the 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. It's been a special night."

Djokovic's implausible victory - given his age and doubts about his physical condition - ended the possibility of another Grand Slam rendezvous between Alcaraz and Sinner, who most expected to meet for the fourth major final in a row.

Instead it will be a third battle for one of the sport's biggest prizes between Djokovic and Alcaraz, after their Wimbledon finals in 2023 and 2024.

Both players are going for historic feats. Djokovic is one step away from landing a standalone 25th major title which has been proving elusive, while 22-year-old Alcaraz bids to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

Before Sunday's showpiece, there is another appetising match-up when Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina contest the women's singles final on Saturday.

Two of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour going toe-to-toe promises to be a blockbuster encounter.

Given the superstars involved and engaging storylines, a slow-burning Australian Open looks set to finish with a flourish - a case of better late than never.