Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Last Eight at Melbourne Park for Second Successive Year

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Australian Open quarter-finals after Jack Draper retired due to injury, with the Spaniard now one step closer to completing a career Grand Slam.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish third seed, advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after Jack Draper retired during their fourth-round match on Sunday. Alcaraz was in control, leading 7-5, 6-1, when Draper conceded the match on a scorching Rod Laver Arena.

Jack Draper, the 15th seed, had already endured a grueling tournament, spending nearly 13 hours on court to Alcaraz's six. The Briton had rallied from behind in all three of his previous Melbourne matches, winning each in five sets. His exertions finally caught up with him, forcing his retirement against Alcaraz.

Alcaraz expressed mixed emotions about his victory, saying, “It's not the way I wanted to win. But obviously I'm happy to play another quarter-final here in Australia.” He also sympathized with his opponent, adding, “But a little bit sad, you know, for Jack. He's really a nice person, he doesn't deserve to get injured.” Draper had previously withdrawn from the United Cup due to a hip injury, which may have contributed to his retirement against Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the second consecutive year, following his retirement-induced victory over Jack Draper. Alcaraz's next challenge will be to overcome either Novak Djokovic or Jiri Lehecka to reach the semi-finals, a milestone he has yet to achieve in Melbourne. In 2024, Alcaraz was defeated by Alexander Zverev at this stage.

A triumph at the Australian Open would be a historic achievement for Alcaraz, as he would become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam in the Open Era and the youngest to win in Australia since Djokovic in 2008. Alcaraz expressed his confidence, saying, “I'm happy with the level I'm playing. On the court and off the court I'm feeling really comfortable here.” He also emphasized the importance of physical well-being, stating, “Physically, I'm feeling great. So coming into the second week of a Grand Slam it is important to feel well physically because right now the matches are even tougher. But I am ready.”

Sights we never want to see 💔

Jack Draper is forced to retire against Carlos Alcaraz.

Wishing you a quick recovery and see you soon, Jack 💙#AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/UuetJeEfw0

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2025

Alcaraz's previous encounter with Draper ended in defeat, as the Briton emerged victorious on the grass courts of Queen's Club in 2024. However, in the scorching Melbourne heat, Alcaraz's powerful groundstrokes proved too much for Draper to handle. The Spaniard broke Draper's serve in the sixth game of the opening set, utilizing two net winners to gain the advantage. Although Draper managed to break back and level the score at 5-4, Alcaraz broke once more to secure the set. The second set saw Draper struggle, falling behind 3-0 before eventually retiring from the match.