Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final! The Serb and the Spaniard defeated four rivals in Melbourne and arranged their eighth duel, the fourth at Majors. The first three came in Paris and London.
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Thus, they will fight in a hard-court Major for the first time. Reflecting on his rivalry against Alcaraz, Djokovic admitted it remindshim of what he had with Rafael Nadal regarding intensity and energy. Novak and Rafa were the most fearsome rivals in the Open era, battling 60 times!
If any rivalry gathers the Nadal vibes for Djokovic, it must be a thrilling one! Novak and Carlos have battled in two Major finals and the Olympic Games gold medal match, forging a notable rivalry despite only seven encounters.
Djokovic labeled their 2023 ATP Finals and last year's Wimbledon final matches one-sided. However, the remaining ones, starting from Madrid three years ago, have been nothing but spectacular at least in some parts.
Their first clash in Madrid 2022 lasted over three and a half hours, with the young gun toppling the legend. Novak responded at Roland Garros 2022 after risingabove his rival mentally! Alcaraz claimed the second set and leveled the overall score.
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However, the young gun experienced cramps early in the third set and failed to recover, losing the mental edge and falling to the legend. The Spaniard struckback in the Wimbledon final a few weeks later.
The young gun ousted the seven-time champion in five sets, securing his second Major title at 21. A few weeks later, they embraced one of the finest Masters 1000 finals ever! Djokovic saved a match point and prevailed after nearly four hours of titanic battle that thrilled the tennis world.
The Serb lost only five games against the Spaniard in the ATP Finals semi-final at the end of 2023. They fought in two notable finals in 2024 and split wins. Carlos outplayed Novak in the Wimbledon final, defending the crowd after a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 win.
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Djokovic underwent knee surgery on June 5 and recovered by Wimbledon. However, he stood no chance in the final against the defending champion. Alcaraz dominated the opening two sets and prevailed in the third to lift a trophy.
They arranged the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match a few weeks later. Two great rivals made it memorable, with Novak earning a 7-6, 7-6 win after two hours and 52 minutes! They threw everything at each other and delivered one of the matches of the season.
The veteran saved all eight break points in the opening set and took the pivotal points in both tie breaks after firing up his forehand. Their eighth duel comes at the Australian Open on Tuesday, and it should be another memorable one if they both bring their A-game.
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Alcaraz is seeking a Career Grand Slam at 21! On the other hand, Djokovic wishes to claim his 11th Australian Open trophy after missing it a year ago. The tennis fans should expect a thrilling encounter at Rod Laver Arena, and we will cover every pivotal moment!
"Like most of our matches, I hope Carlos and I can embrace a great battle. There have been only two uneven encounters between us. I played well against him at the 2023 ATP Finals, and he responded in last year's Wimbledon final.
The other matches were long and exhausting. They remind me of my duels against Rafa Nadal regarding the intensity and energy we bring to the court," Novak Djokovic said.
