After defeating Czech Jiri Lehecka, 10-time champion Novak Djokovic defeated 10-time champion Novak Djokovic to reach the blockbuster Australian Open quarterfinal with Carlos Alcaraz.
The 37-year-old Serb, who is gunning for a record 25th Grand Slam title, beat the 24th seed 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
He was placed 15th overall in Melbourne Park, a record he now holds ahead of Rafael Nadal and John Newcombe, and he now ranks second behind Roger Federer.
Additionally, the victory gave him three more quarterfinal appearances than the Swiss great, making his own record to 61.
Third seed Carlos Alcaraz, who is already a four-time Slam winner at age 21, has never advanced past the Australian Open quarterfinals, will face him on Tuesday in a showdown with him.
“We had some long battles, long exchanges”, said Djokovic, who stopped only very briefly for the post-match on-court interview, his hasty retreat getting some boos from the crowd.
In terms of the intensity and energy on the court, the matches I played against him resemble those against Nadal.
” He’s a very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented. Charismatic player. Great to watch – not that great to play against, “he added with a smile.
Alcaraz, from Spain, set up the clash with Djokovic after Briton Jack Draper retired during their last-16 match when losing 7-5, 6-1.
” Being in a quarterfinal, I’m going to approach the match the same as I did in the previous matches against him, and let’s see, “said Alcaraz of Djokovic.
” When we are seeing him playing, he seems like he’s young again, so … It’s unbelievable. He’s in a really good shape. “
But Alcaraz added:” I’m just ready and I know what I have to do in quarterfinals. “
Seven times have Djokovic and Alcaraz squared off, with the Serb leading 4-3, including winning their most recent match in the Paris 2024 Olympics final.
They have already met at three Grand Slams, including the Spaniard, who won both of them in the Wimbledon final.
But Djokovic has never played in Melbourne Park, where he has had the best success.
Djokovic dominates, and Alcaraz receives a first-class pass.
Lehecka won the lead-up Brisbane International event, where Djokovic lost in the quarterfinals, but he was never seriously in the reckoning on the big stage.
Djokovic put a quick dent in his serve in the eighth game of set one when the Czech committed a double fault.
Another break on Lehecka’s opening serve set the tone for set two, with Djokovic dominating from the baseline.
In a closer set three, the young Czech changed his approach, causing Djokovic to serve more and increase his serving intensity.
The Serb made some stunning shots in the tiebreak to win.
Alcaraz was well on top when Draper won the matchup because “many areas really hurt” on a hot afternoon.
Draper, who is 15th seeded in Melbourne, rallied from behind in all three of his matches to win the tournament, and it finally caught up with him. He needed five sets to win.
” It’s not the way I wanted to win. But obviously, I’m happy to play another quarterfinal here in Australia, “said Alcaraz.
” Physically, I’m feeling great. It is therefore important to feel well physically as we approach the second week of a Grand Slam because the matches are currently even more difficult.
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