Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz are set for a blockbuster showdown at the Australian Open

On January 19, 2025By Littum

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Novak Djokovic of Serbia addresses the crowd after winning … (+) against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic in a men’s singles fourth round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are heading for the spectacular quarter-final at the Australian Open on Tuesday that tennis fans have been waiting for since the draw.

No. 3 Alcaraz was the first to advance via a 7-5, 6-1 walkover against Britain’s No. 15 Jack Draper.

No. 7 Djokovic followed in the night session with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over No. 24 Jiří Lehečka of the Czech Republic.

The Serbian, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, then skipped his on-court interview with Jim Courier over a beef with Australian broadcaster Channel 9.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, was asked if he thinks about Djokovic’s performances when playing against him.

“If I think about everything he has done in tennis, I couldn’t play,” the Spaniard said. “I know I’m capable of beating him. That’s all I think when I face him.”

Djokovic, the 10-time Australian Open champion, leads Alcaraz 4-3 and won their last meeting in the championship match at the Paris Olympics last August, giving the Serb his first singles gold medal. It was the only significant title Djokovic won in 2024; he captured no major titles.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, won the French Open and Wimbledon, beating Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. He is seeking to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

“I’m a very ambitious person and I want to win the Australian Open to complete my Grand Slam record,” Alcarazl told reporters in Spain last month. according to Marca. “I want 2025 to be an even more exciting year. Let’s just say I want more. Australia is what I want to tattoo, even if my dad doesn’t like it that much. Becoming champion is my main goal for the next season.”

Djokovic is now coached by former rival Andy Murray, while Alcaraz is coached by another former world no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero

All four men have history with each other, and now comes another historical chapter.

Either Alcaraz will beat the Serbian legend and remain on track for a career Grand Slam, or Djokovic will defeat his current no. 1 rival and move on to a shot at a record 25th major title.

Either way, both men could still go through No. 2 Alexander Zverev and/or no. 1 Jannik Sinner to win the title.

Zverev meets the American no. 12 Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, while defending champion Sinner gets no. 13 Holger Rune Monday.