When the Australian Open draw came out, everyone wanted to see the clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb entered the first Major of the season ranked 7th and could have faced anyone from the top in the last eight.
By the will of the draw, he will embrace his eighth duel against the Spaniard, the first since that epic Olympic Games gold medal clash. The veteran praised the young gun, describing him as dynamic, explosive and incredibly talented.
The legendconfirmed whatwe already knew! Watching Carlos play is always great, but things become more challenging when you have to face him!
The ten-time Australian Open winner is happy with his performance against Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka. The 37-year-old lost a set to Nishesh Basavareddy and a qualifier Jaime Faria. Novak raised his level and defeated two Czech youngsters in straight sets.
The legend hopes to produce asimilar level against Carlos and challenge world no. 3, who seeks a Career Grand Slam at 21! Alcaraz dropped one set in the opening four rounds against Nuno Borges. The Spaniard came to Melbourne with improvements, and they have worked fine.
The young gun will seek his fourth triumph over Djokovic, hoping to repeat the outcome of last year's Wimbledon final. Carlos defeated Novak 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, defending the title and lifting his fourth Major crown. Djokovic responded a couple of weeks later.
They met again in the Olympic Games title clash, with the Serb prevailing 7-6, 7-6 after nearly three hours! It was one of the most entertaining best-of-three ATP finals in recent years, and Novak took the pivotal points to secure an elusive Olympic Games gold medal.
"Carlos is a very dynamic, explosive and incredibly talented player with charisma. He is great to watch but not so much to play against. I'm looking forward to our duel. Many people were expecting our quarter-final clash when the draw came out, and here we are.
We are both hitting well this year in Melbourne. I like how I'm feeling and playing in the last couple of matches, and I'm looking forward to the Carlos challenge," Novak Djokovic said.
