Novak Djokovic previews Carlos Alcaraz conflict: ‘It’s like enjoying Rafael Nadal once more'

Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final! The Serb and the Spaniard defeated 4 rivals in Melbourne and organized their eighth duel, the fourth at Majors. The primary three got here in Paris and London.

Thus, they may battle in a hard-court Main for the primary time. Reflecting on his rivalry in opposition to Alcaraz, Djokovic admitted it reminds him of what he had with Rafael Nadal relating to depth and power. Novak and Rafa have been probably the most fearsome rivals within the Open period, battling 60 instances!

If any rivalry gathers the Nadal vibes for Djokovic, it have to be an exhilarating one! Novak and Carlos have battled in two Main finals and the Olympic Video games gold medal match, forging a notable rivalry regardless of solely seven encounters.

Match #7, Olympics 2024 Ultimate (Djokovic – Alcaraz 4:3) pic.twitter.com/yE6dRahOqp

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Djokovic labeled their 2023 ATP Finals and final yr’s Wimbledon last matches one-sided. Nonetheless, the remaining ones, ranging from Madrid three years in the past, have been nothing however spectacular at the least in some components.

Their first conflict in Madrid 2022 lasted over three and a half hours, with the younger gun toppling the legend. Novak responded at Roland Garros 2022 after rising above his rival mentally! Alcaraz claimed the second set and leveled the general rating.

Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

Nonetheless, the younger gun skilled cramps early within the third set and didn’t recuperate, shedding the psychological edge and falling to the legend. The Spaniard struck again within the Wimbledon last a couple of weeks later.

The younger gun ousted the seven-time champion in 5 units, securing his second Main title at 21. A couple of weeks later, they embraced one of many most interesting Masters 1000 finals ever! Djokovic saved a match level and prevailed after practically 4 hours of titanic battle that thrilled the tennis world.

The Serb misplaced solely 5 video games in opposition to the Spaniard within the ATP Finals semi-final on the finish of 2023. They fought in two notable finals in 2024 and cut up wins. Carlos outplayed Novak within the Wimbledon last, defending the gang after a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 win.

Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

Djokovic underwent knee surgical procedure on June 5 and recovered by Wimbledon. Nonetheless, he stood no likelihood within the last in opposition to the defending champion. Alcaraz dominated the opening two units and prevailed within the third to raise a trophy.

They organized the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match a couple of weeks later. Two nice rivals made it memorable, with Novak incomes a 7-6, 7-6 win after two hours and 52 minutes! They threw the whole lot at one another and delivered one of many matches of the season.

The veteran saved all eight break factors within the opening set and took the pivotal factors in each tie breaks after firing up his forehand. Their eighth duel comes on the Australian Open on Tuesday, and it ought to be one other memorable one in the event that they each convey their A-game.

Alcaraz is looking for a Profession Grand Slam at 21! However, Djokovic needs to say his eleventh Australian Open trophy after lacking it a yr in the past. The tennis followers ought to count on an exhilarating encounter at Rod Laver Enviornment, and we are going to cowl each pivotal second!

“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 mentioned.