Physically hampered by a left leg issue throughout, the Serbian somehow booked a 12th Australian Open semi-final, his 50th in Grand Slams, demonstrating why he is a 10-time champion on Rod Laver Arena.
"I guess I did it with my two legs and two arms! I had one and a half legs actually," joked Djokovic. "I want to say my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos, everything he stands for and what he has already achieved in his young career… I just wish this match today was the final.
"That was just one of the most epic matches I have played on this court, on any court really!"
Physical concerns aren't going to derail Djokovic's drive for tennis immortality with title No.100, major No.25, within reach.
"Back in 2023, I actually had a similar injury and I carried it basically from the beginning of the tournament," stated Djokovic, who went to hug rival-turned-coach Andy Murray after match point.
"In that perspective, I think it does help mentally because all of a sudden you just start to play a bit more aggressively and you play through your shots more. I guess that's going to be necessary for me when I face Sascha Zverev in the semi-finals."