Australian Open Quarterfinals: Djokovic Seeks 100th Title Against Rising Star Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to clash in a highly anticipated Australian Open quarterfinal match, with Djokovic chasing his 100th tournament title and 25th Grand Slam crown.

The Australian Open is set to witness a thrilling quarter-final showdown between tennis legends Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday. This highly anticipated match will pit the old guard against the new, as 37-year-old Djokovic faces off against 21-year-old Alcaraz. The stage is set for a duel for the ages, with the two tennis giants ready to clash in a late-night match on Rod Laver Arena.

In the women's draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are poised to set up a blockbuster semi-final showdown, provided they both secure victories in their respective quarter-final matches. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the Djokovic-Alcaraz clash, which marks the first time the two players will meet at this stage of a Grand Slam.

Djokovic is chasing a milestone 100th tournament title and a record 25th Grand Slam crown. However, his focus was momentarily diverted on Sunday when he refused to participate in a routine on-court interview. Djokovic was protesting against a TV presenter from host broadcaster Channel Nine, whom he accused of making “insulting and offensive comments.”

Novak Djokovic holds a 4-3 edge in head-to-head matches against Carlos Alcaraz, including a victory in their last meeting at the Paris Olympics final. However, Alcaraz has had the upper hand in their recent Grand Slam encounters, winning their last two meetings in the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals. Despite his impressive record, Alcaraz has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Djokovic is anticipating a fierce battle against Alcaraz, whom he considers a worthy successor to Spanish legend Rafael Nadal. “We had some long battles, long exchanges. The kind of matches that I played against him remind me of my match-ups versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court,” said Djokovic. The Serb is well aware of the challenge that Alcaraz poses, particularly given the Spaniard's impressive record in Grand Slam finals.

🍿#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/GmbQMFWEA8

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2025

Alcaraz, on the other hand, is cautious not to underestimate Djokovic, who remains a formidable force on his favorite court. “When we are seeing him playing, he seems like he's young again, it's unbelievable. He's in really good shape,” said Alcaraz. Djokovic's impressive form and experience on the Australian Open courts make him a daunting opponent, and Alcaraz will need to be at his best to overcome the veteran.

In the women's draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Russian veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who is enjoying a late-career resurgence. At 33, Pavlyuchenkova is the oldest remaining woman in the draw, and she will be looking to capitalize on her experience and momentum to upset Sabalenka.