Australian Open R4 previews and predictions: Alcaraz vs. Draper, Djokovic vs. Lehecka

Carlos Alcaraz
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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are one match away from meeting in a blockbuster quarterfinal at the Australian Open. First they have to get through Jack Draper and Jiri Lehecka, respectively, on Saturday.

(3) Carlos Alcaraz vs. (15) Jack Draper

Carlos Alcaraz drew the short straw in this year’s Australian Open bracket. He is staring down the prospect of facing Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals–and Djokovic is obviously by far the most dangerous player not seeded 1-4. Alcaraz has already told the press in Melbourne that if he wins the Australian Open, he will be getting a kangaroo tattoo–but he still has four matches to go, and first up is Briton Jack Draper.

The good news for Alcaraz is that Draper was on court for four grueling hours against Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in the third round, when the two men played past midnight on Friday and into Saturday morning. If ever there was a time to not be fatigued, it’s against Alcaraz–but that is not to be for Draper. Certainly Alcaraz had a dip in performance in sets two and three against his third-round opponent Nuno Borges, but he found his range again in the fourth.

This should be Alcaraz’s match to lose. The third seed is a heavy favorite to advance, stepping closer to the kangaroo tattoo he promised to get if he wins the tournament.

Cheryl pick: Alcaraz in 3

Ricky pick: Alcaraz in 3

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WWW: Alcaraz vs. Draper?

(7) Novak Djokovic vs. (24) Jiri Lehecka

Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic looks for all the world like he means to add an 11th crown to his trophy case. The Serb came to Melbourne with a highly-publicized addition to his coaching staff–former rival Andy Murray. Djokovic looked a tad rusty in his first two matches this week, dropping a set in each. He was nearly flawless in his third-rounder against the talented Czech player Tomas Machac, a dangerous sign for anyone else in his path.

Novak Djokovic


That goes for fourth-round opponent Jiri Lehecka, who is also from Czechia. Lehecka is ranked No. 29 in the world right now and is one of a handful of players already with a title in 2025. He won the tuneup event in Brisbane just a week ago over American Reilly Opelka, who retired with a wrist injury. Lehecka enjoyed an easy path to the round of 16, so he hasn’t played anyone nearly of Djokovic’s caliber.

Djokovic won their only previous match last year at the United Cup. Expect much the same outcome on Sunday.

Cheryl pick: Djokovic in 4

Ricky pick: Djokovic in 4

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WWW: Djokovic vs. Lehecka?

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