Djokovic, Alcaraz Set for Historic Australian Open Quarterfinal Clash

MELBOURNE, Australia — Tennis fans are bracing for a historic showdown as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz prepare to face off in the Australian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday. This marks their eighth meeting and the first time they will compete in Melbourne, with both players vying for a spot in the semifinals.

Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, advanced to the quarterfinals after his opponent, 15th-seeded Jack Draper, retired due to a hip injury during their match on Sunday. Djokovic, 37, secured his spot with a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory over Jiri Lehecka in Rod Laver Arena.

“This is not the right player to play in a quarterfinal, I guess,” Alcaraz joked during a press conference. “But facing Novak, for me, it’s not going to change anything if I’m playing him in a quarterfinal or semifinal. I’m going to approach the match the same as I did in the previous matches against him.”

Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, expressed frustration with the crowd during his match. After smacking a ball off a wall in the third set, he was met with boos and whistles. Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani intervened, urging spectators to show respect. Despite the tension, Djokovic received overwhelming support from Serbian fans, who chanted his nickname, “Nole.”

Post-match, Djokovic skipped the customary on-court interview, instead addressing the crowd directly. “Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and the support. I’ll see you next round,” he said before walking off. Later, he called for an apology from Australian broadcaster Channel 9 and its employee Tony Jones, who made derogatory comments about Djokovic and Serbian fans during an on-air segment.

Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 3, is aiming to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. He has already claimed titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open. Djokovic, the No. 7 seed, is seeking his 11th Australian Open title, which would extend his record for the most major singles championships in tennis history.

The rivalry between the two players is evenly matched, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head 4-3. However, Alcaraz holds a 2-1 advantage in Grand Slam matches, including victories in the past two Wimbledon finals. Djokovic won their most recent encounter at the Paris Olympics last August, securing a gold medal for Serbia.

“If I think about everything he has done in tennis, I couldn’t play,” Alcaraz said of Djokovic. “I’m just trying to beat him. I know my weapons. I know that if I’m able to play good tennis against him, I’m able to beat him.”

In other matches, second-seeded Alexander Zverev advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ugo Humbert. He will face American Tommy Paul, who defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets. Paul, who reached the semifinals at the Australian Open in 2023, is looking to replicate that success.

The stage is set for a thrilling quarterfinal clash between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with both players determined to continue their quest for glory at Melbourne Park.