Novak Djokovic makes comparison about Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal ahead of Australian Open quarter final

Novak Djokovic has reached his 15th Australian Open quarter-final, but the main talking point in his victory over Jiri Lehecka actually came after the match.

Djokovic received criticism after walking off court, rather than doing the typical interview with Jim Courier after his victory on Rod Laver Arena.

Courier has commented on Djokovic’s actions, suggesting that he was as surprised as everyone watching.

It has since been confirmed by the Serbian that his issue is with the Channel 9 broadcaster and not Courier, but Djokovic is willing to accept a fine for his actions.

Djokovic will now turn his attention to his quarter-final match with Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Jack Draper by retirement.

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Novak Djokovic says playing Carlos Alcaraz reminds him of matchup with former rival

When asked about the upcoming match against with Alcaraz in his post-match press conference, Djokovic spoke about the challenge that the Spaniard possesses.

The 37-year-old also drew comparisons to his rivalry with Rafael Nadal, who retired at the Davis Cup Finals last year.

“Well, I’m expecting a big battle, as it’s the case in most of our matches where we faced each other,” said Djokovic. “Maybe just couple times it was quite one-sided. Wimbledon finals last year, he was the dominant force on the court. I had a really good match against him in the World Tour Finals in 2023.

“Other than that, we had some long battles, long exchanges kind of matches that I played against him. Remind me of my matchups versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court.

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“He’s very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented. Charismatic player. Great to watch; not that great to play against (smiling). I look forward to it. I think when the draw was out, a lot of the people were looking forward to potential matchup in quarterfinals, Alcaraz versus me. So here we are.

“I think we both are hitting the ball pretty well this tournament. I like the way I’m playing and the way I’m feeling last couple matches. I’m excited about that challenge.”

Who leads the rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz?

Djokovic alluded to some of his previous meetings with Alcaraz, with four of their seven previous matches coming in finals.

Two of those finals were at Wimbledon, with Alcaraz winning both of those in differing fashion.

However, it is actually Djokovic who has the advantage in the head-to-head, as well as the most recently victory over Alcaraz that came in the final of the Paris Olympic Games.

Year Tournament Result 2022 Madrid Open (SF) Alcaraz beat Djokovic, 6(5)-7 7-5 7-6(5) 2023 Roland Garros (SF) Djokovic beat Alcaraz, 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 2023 Wimbledon (F) Alcaraz beat Djokovic, 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 2023 Cincinnati Open (F) Djokovic beat Alcaraz, 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4) 2023 ATP Finals (SF) Djokovic beat Alcaraz, 6-3 6-2 2024 Wimbledon (F) Alcaraz beat Djokovic, 6-2 6-2 7-6(4) 2024 Paris Olympics (F) Djokovic beat Alcaraz, 7-6(3) 7-6(2)

Djokovic and Alcaraz will play their Australian Open quarter-final on Tuesday January 21, in their first meeting on hard courts since 2023.

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