India, Jan. 31 -- To think Rod Laver Arena did not have a five-setter at the 2026 Australian Open before this. Until one followed another. Both classics, both bringing out an overriding virtue - belief.

Carlos Alcaraz, 22, was limping yet not once did the thought of not crossing the line run through his mind. Alexander Zverev, 28, was down two sets but not out for the count. Novak Djokovic hadn't beaten his opponent in five previous battles but came for the latest with an audaciously different approach at age 38. Jannik Sinner, 24, stood tall in resisting every bit of that audacity thrown at him.

At the end of it, after nine hours and 36 minutes of one unforgettable semi-final day (night, wee hours) in Melbourne, the youngest and oldest...