Australian Open: Novak Djokovic Sets Up Quarterfinal Match Against Carlos Alcaraz

 

As Novak Djokovic is set for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne, the quarterfinal will be a showdown between him and Carlos Alcaraz, who will seek his first hard-court victory against him. 

Djokovic lasted until the semi-final when he was routed by Jannik Sinner last season. He did not win at any tournaments except the Paris Olympics gold medal, his first men's singles at the Games. However, he has been in impressive form in Australia, defeating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) in the fourth round. 

On the other hand, Alcaraz had to walk over the match against Jack Draper in the third set after winning the previous two, 7-5 6-1. Draper blamed the mid-match pullout on a hip injury which he described as a "ticking time bomb". 

Speaking of the match, Djokovic acknowledged that it could not be lesser than terrifying having to face Alcaraz. Recalling losing at Wimbledon to the Spaniard, he admitted it was one of the hardest of his career. 

"I'm expecting a big battle, as it's the case in most of our matches where we faced each other," said Djokovic. "Wimbledon finals last year, he was the dominant force on the court."

Djokovic, 37, could not get his revenge on Alcaraz at the Wimbledon finals, which the Spaniard defended for a back-to-back defeating him on both occasions.