Novak Djokovic praises Carlos Alcaraz: 'Nice to observe however to not play in opposition to!'

When the Australian Open draw got here out, everybody needed to see the conflict between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The Serb entered the primary Main of the season ranked seventh and will have confronted anybody from the highest within the final eight.

By the need of the draw, he’ll embrace his eighth duel in opposition to the Spaniard, the primary since that epic Olympic Video games gold medal conflict. The veteran praised the younger gun, describing him as dynamic, explosive and extremely gifted.

The legend confirmed what we already knew! Watching Carlos play is at all times nice, however issues turn out to be tougher when you must face him!

— Shane Gupta (@Shanegupta22) January 20, 2025

The ten-time Australian Open winner is pleased together with his efficiency in opposition to Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka. The 37-year-old misplaced a set to Nishesh Basavareddy and a qualifier Jaime Faria. Novak raised his stage and defeated two Czech children in straight units.

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

The legend hopes to provide a comparable stage in opposition to Carlos and problem world no. 3, who seeks a Profession Grand Slam at 21! Alcaraz dropped one set within the opening 4 rounds in opposition to Nuno Borges. The Spaniard got here to Melbourne with enhancements, they usually have labored advantageous.

The younger gun will search his fourth conquer Djokovic, hoping to repeat the end result of final yr’s Wimbledon remaining. Carlos defeated Novak 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, defending the title and lifting his fourth Main crown. Djokovic responded a few weeks later.

They met once more within the Olympic Video games title conflict, with the Serb prevailing 7-6, 7-6 after almost three hours! It was one of the entertaining best-of-three ATP finals lately, and Novak took the pivotal factors to safe an elusive Olympic Video 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 stated.