The Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic rivalry will add another chapter when they meet again in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Tuesday night.
It’s obviously not as extensive as Djokovic’s past history with some of his former rivals, but he and Alcaraz have packed a serious punch into their seven previous encounters. Three of their showdowns have required final sets–including two being decided by third-set tiebreakers. Another seemed destined to be an instant classic before Alcaraz was bogged down by cramps in the 2023 French Open semis. They have squared off twice in Wimbledon finals (Alcaraz won both) in addition to an incredible gold-medal match at last summer’s Paris Olympics (Djokovic won in two tiebreakers). Their 2023 Cincinnati Masters title tilt was one of the best matches in recent tennis history, with the Serb triumphing 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) after three hours and 49 minutes.
Djokovic may be past his prime at the 37 years old, but all of those results make it obvious that he raises his level when Alcaraz is on the other side of the net. The current version of Djokovic is a master of conserving energy, knowing when to bring his ‘A’ game and when he can just coast with a level well short of his best. His current Australian Open run is no exception. The world No. 7 mostly sleepwalked through four-set victories over Nishesh Basavareddy and Jaime Faria before crushing dangerous Czech opponents Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka in straight sets.
Alcaraz absolutely cruised into the quarterfinals. The 21-year-old has dropped just one set, and that was in a tiebreaker against Nuno Borges in round three. Alcaraz has not needed a single tiebreaker in any of his 11 victorious sets and he will be especially well rested after getting a retirement from Jack Draper prior to the start of their third set on Sunday night.
With both guys in outstanding form, yet another memorable matchup should be in the cards.
Alcaraz might have the edge–especially from a physical standpoint–in most best-of-five situations, such as at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, or the U.S. Open. However, Djokovic is just different Down Under. He is 98-9 lifetime at this event with 10 titles. Surprisingly, this is only Alcaraz’s second trip to the Aussie Open quarters and he has never reached the semis.
Although Alcaraz is the odds-on favorite to win, count out Djokovic in Melbourne at your own peril.
Pick: Djokovic in 5
who ya got?
Ghostbuster
Carlos, for sure!….in 4
for sure????
I agree with Scoot. I think this one goes to Alca…but in 5.
Difficult to predict. We all know how good Djokovic is in the Australian Open. Nevertheless, even though Djokovic appears to have overcome physical barriers lately, I am pretty sure Djokovic’s body is wore out. It will be very difficult for Djokovic to overcome Alcaraz youth. Definitely, Djokovic during this open has not shown the dominance of years ago, he is looking weak. On the contrary, Alcaraz have shown a clear and definite better dominance; he has improved. So, it is quite easy to accept that Alcaraz will win handedly. In the worst case scenario, Alcaraz will win in 4 sets.
Alcaraz in 4.
Alcaraz in 4
Just for the record, that’s the presenter’s (Tony Jones) sense of humor. It was just a joke. Hilarious that it’s been blow out of proportion.
Aussie sense of humor is a bit hard for many to understand
good. then don’t use the aussie humor. i didn’t like the joke served in 2022 either.
He probably went a bit far though. Anglo-Australians can be a bit insensitive like that. They think they have more rights to the place than anyone else. Once youve experienced it a few times you get used to it.
I think this was one of those occasions where, although he may not have meant any malice, he crossed the line. I’m sure Djokovic’s advisors have assessed it that way as well.
The test is: would you say it if it were someone else?
and given what happened previously, he needs to take a stand to stamp that attitude out because if you tolerate it, then people keep doing it.
Put simply, he’s entitled to come here and feel welcome, which he is.
“joke”..?!
You got a be kidding! Besides other thing to tell him “kick him out” after what happened in 2022? I can’t use the word that describes him since Ricky would let the post through.
This time Nole had overwhelming support from vast majority of Australians, fellow players and around the world, even Elon Musk chimed in, TJ is example of ignorant Aussie which thankfully is minority in this nice country.