Novak Djokovic lived up to the odds and joined Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open. The Serbian legend defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka in three sets on the iconic Rod Laver Arena and earned a place in the top eight in the first Major of the new season.
The former world number 1 had no difficulty in the first two sets, in which his opponent made too many unforced errors and allowed Nole to take a very important advantage without even wasting too much energy.
With nothing left to lose and being able to play without pressure, Lehecka's level rose in the third set and the Czech ace had a few chances to extend the match. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had a few more problems, he also got nervous due to the behavior of the crowd, but he found the right concentration in the tiebreak and prevailed in three sets with full merit.
Tony Jones mocks Nole
The 37-year-old from Belgrade thus reached the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park for the 15th time in his legendary career, equaling his great Roger Federer in this particular statistic.
However at the end of the match the current world number 7 refused to give the traditional interview to Jim Courier for Channel 9. In the press conference, the Serbian champion revealed that he made this gesture because the Channel 9 broadcaster disrespected him through journalist Tony Jones.
On live television, Jones mockedDjokovic's fans and Novak himself, triggering the furious reaction of the former world number 1.
Novak will return to action against Alcaraz on Tuesday, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of this edition of the tournament. Their last clash was at the final of the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024, when Nole achieved a memorable feat on the iconic Philippe Chatrier and fulfilled his dream of winning the gold medal.
