Djokovic caused a clash with Alcaraz at the Australian Open

The Australian Open has become very serious. It was seen coming since the draw for the men’s team was made, and it has happened. Novak Djokovic37 years old and world No. 7, is done stirring it, ensuring the clash with Carlos Alcaraz21 and No. 3, is in the quarterfinal round. It was too early for the two, who were protagonists last year in the Wimbledon finals and the Paris Olympic Games, to share.

Alcaraz He led the way by defeating the British Jack Draper 7-5, 6-1 and the Englishman retired, exhausted from three five-set matches played during the week. It was too easy for the Murcian, who later prepared to follow his next rival.

Relaxed, after showing Djokovic that he is physically and mentally ready for any challenge, he saw how the ten-time Australian Open champion returned the message in the form of a convincing victory. He tied the Czech Jiri Lehecka, 23 years old and world number 29, who tested the Balkan player by playing a good third set, with a lot of serve and net. The Balkan player held on, avoiding big problems, winning 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6 (4) in 2h.39′.

He reached the Australian quarterfinals for the fifteenth time, equaling the record of Roger Federer. That didn’t stop him from storming out of center court in a rage. He thanked the audience for their presence but left Jim Courier, who was his interviewer, standing. ‘Nole’ doesn’t want to talk.

This will be the eighth game in a dominant series ‘Nole’ 4-3after 1-1 in 2024 with Alcaraz’s victory in the Wimbledon final and Djokovic’s victory in the match for gold at Paris 2024, on the clay of Roland Garros.

On the hard court there are two precedents, both in favor of Djokovic, in Cincinnati and the ATP Finals in Turin in 2023.

“I try not to think about everything he has achieved, if I think about everything he has done I will not be able to play. 24 majors, more weeks as number one. I think that I can beat him, know my weapons. Let’s play and believe,” he said. Alcaraz.