The 24-time Grand Slam champion delivered a masterclass in ball-striking to come back from a set down and defeat his 21-year-old Spanish rival.

The 37-year-old Djokovic has now won five matches and suffered defeats in his head-to-head battles with the four-time major winner.

The Serbian said in an on-court interview with Jim Courier: "First I want to say my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos and everything he stands for and what he has achieved so far in his young career. What a terrific guy he is and even better competitor.

"I just wish that this match today was the finals, honestly. One of the most epic matches that I've played on this court, on any court really. Thank you all for staying at 1am to watch us and support."

Djokovic had strapping applied on his upper right thigh when he took a medical timeout when he was 5-4 down in the first set.

On the injury, he added: "Well, since I'm still in the tournament I don't want to reveal too much, obviously.

"Yeah, the medication started to kick in and they helped, no doubt. I had to take another dose, I mean this sounds awful (laughs), me taking another dose, but I had to.

"I didn't know, to be honest, if I lost that second set, I don't know if I would continue playing, but I felt better and better, managed to play a great couple of games to end up the second set."

READ: Paula Badosa 'super proud' after reaching maiden Grand Slam semi-final

ERIC-TINKLER

Eric Tinkler regrets late introduction of Luphumlo ‘Kaka’ Sifumba

What it will take to catch Sundowns – Eric Tinkler

Editors Pick