It was perhaps legitimate to expect something more from Carlos Alcaraz in the big quarterfinal match of the 2025 Australian Open against Novak Djokovic. The young Spanish champion who dreamed of winning the only Major title he still lacks played a lackluster and very fluctuating match on the Rod Laver Arena against the ten-time champion of this tournament.
As too often happens to him, the 21-year-old from Murcia alternated moments of mind-blowing tennis with inexplicable blackouts that allowed Nole to reach his 50th semifinal in a Grand Slam tournament.
The current world number 3 had won the first set and seemed in control of the situation, also due to Djokovic's difficulties struggling with a groin problem. The Serbian legend never gave up and managed to harness the Spaniard tactically and mentally in the next three sets.
A moment of appreciation
Carlitos' certainties have gradually crumbled and the number of his unforced errors has become increasingly worrying. The 4-time Grand Slam champion never managed to light up in this match and was eliminated in the quarterfinals for the second year in a row.
The former world No.1 was very disappointed when he left the court and knows that he will have to reflect on some aspects so as not to repeat the same mistakes in the future.
After returning to the locker room while he was performing some cool-down exercises the Spaniard was joined by Andy Murray Djokovic's current coach who shook his hand and cheered him up.
The 2025 season has just begun, and Alcaraz has plenty of time to rectify his flaws and achieve mind-blowing results in the coming months.
Unlike previous years, the Spaniard will not play tournaments on red clay in South America but will participate in the prestigious ATP 500 in Rotterdam and Doha in February. In this edition of the AO, the former world number 1 showed that he still has several weaknesses on the fastest surfaces.
