The Australian Open is ready to witness a captivating clash between two tennis titans: ten-time champion Novak Djokovic and the equally impressive Carlos Alcaraz.
This highly anticipated quarter-final matchup has been the talk of Melbourne since the draw was made and fans will finally get their wish on Tuesday evening as they meet in the Rod Laver Arena.
Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, has displayed impressive form throughout the tournament, dropping only one set in his first four matches.
However, Djokovic, despite facing some early challenges, has gradually found his rhythm with new coach Andy Murray in his corner.
The pair’s previous encounters have been fiercely contested, with Alcaraz emerging victorious in their last two Grand Slam meetings, including a decisive Wimbledon final victory last year.
Djokovic admits he had not been thinking of Alcaraz until now, but did praise the Spaniard when asked about him.
Speaking ahead of the match, the Serbian said: “Carlos is a very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented and a charismatic player.
Nights like this >>> 🌆#AO2025 • @Melbourne pic.twitter.com/xpK2c3jt1V
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“We’ve had some long battles, long exchange kind of matches. They remind me of my match-ups against [Rafael] Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court.
“I wasn’t thinking about Alcaraz before winning this match, which again I didn’t see myself as a clear favourite.
“That encourages me to believe I can win against any opponent really on a good day when I’m feeling my best.”
Alcaraz was equally positive about his opponent, adding: “He is experienced but when we are seeing him playing he seems like he is young again, said the four-time major champion, who is aiming to become the youngest man in the Open era to win a career Grand Slam.
“It is unbelievable. He is in really good shape.”
📰 Table Of Contents
Gauff seeking semi-final spot
Coco Gauff, a former US Open champion, faces a tough challenge in the quarter-finals against the resurgent Paula Badosa.
Gauff displayed her strength and reasoning for being the No.3 seed in the previous round, overcoming a set deficit to defeat Belinda Bencic.
Meanwhile, Badosa, a former world number two, has rediscovered her form and has been impressive throughout the tournament.
She recently defeated Olga Danilovic 6-1, 7-6, demonstrating her determination and fighting spirit.
The head-to-head record between Gauff and Badosa is closely contested, with Badosa winning at least a set in five of their six previous encounters.
Zverev’s tough test
Alexander Zverev is aiming to recapture the magic of his 2020 Australian Open semi-final run, but faces a formidable opponent in Tommy Paul.
Zverev, who reached the final at the French Open last year, possesses the talent and experience to contend for a Grand Slam title.
However, Paul will be a challenging obstacle to overcome.
An Australian Open semi-finalist himself in 2021, Paul has demonstrated impressive form, including a dominant 6-1 6-1 6-1 victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the previous round.
Sabalenka on track for three-peat
Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, continues her pursuit of a historic three-peat in Melbourne.
The world number one has displayed dominant form throughout the tournament, advancing to the quarter-finals with relative ease.
In her last 16 match, she showcased her experience and pure quality defeating promising teenager Mirra Andreeva 6-1, 6-2.
However, her next opponent, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, is expected to provide a more challenging test.
Pavlyuchenkova, a seasoned professional, possesses a powerful playing style similar to Sabalenka’s and has won two of their previous three encounters.
Order of Play
Rod Laver Arena
from 11.30am local time
(3) C Gauff vs (11) P Badosa
from 2pm local time
(12) T Paul vs (2) A Zverev
from 7pm local time
(1) A Sabalenka vs (27) A Pavlyuchenkova
not before 8.10pm local time
(7) N Djokovic vs (3) C Alcaraz
How to Watch
The Australian Open will be shown in the US on ESPN and the Tennis Channel. Check the listings for start times.
Predictions
Coco Gauff vs Paula Badosa
Gauff has come a long way since debuting as a 14-year-old in 2018 and her skills have grown tenfold. But Badosa’s form cannot be overlooked and the Spaniard may provide the American with her toughest test of the tournament so far.
Gauff to win in three sets
Tommy Paul vs Alexander Zverev
Zverev is still on the path to winning his first Grand Slam title but Paul has been a stumbling block before. After losing each of his last two meetings with the American, the No.2 seed will need to dig deep to make it into the final four.
Zverev to win in five sets
Aryna Sabalenka vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Although No.27 seed Pavlyuchenkova has done well to get to this stage, it would be a shock if she knocked out the world No.1. Sabalenka should march into the semi-finals with relative ease.
Sabalenka to win in two sets
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
This is probably the toughest match of the tournament to call. Alcaraz has been as impressive as ever but Djokovic has finally found his form in Melbourne. His experience and desire for revenge after Wimbledon may be enough to help him over the line.
Djokovic to win in five sets
