Australian Open—Melbourne, Australia
Alcaraz to Face Djokovic in 2025 Australian Open Quarterfinals
Sunday’s action at the 2025 Australian Open featured No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz setting up a blockbuster quarterfinal encounter with 10-time Major winner Novak Djokovic.
First up, Alcaraz advanced to his second quarterfinal at the event when his opponent Jack Draper was forced to retire trailing two sets to love.
Draper, who had played three, five setters leading into his encounter with the Spaniard, stopped the match at 7-5, 6-1.
Alcaraz had hit six aces, won 83 percent of his first serve points and broke his British opponent on four occasions during the one hour and 35 minute encounter.
Up next, Alcaraz will take on the greatest champion the Australian Open has ever seen in Djokovic.
The Serbian legend eased past No. 24 seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) in two hours and 39 minutes. The No. 7 seed hit 39 winners and 11 aces to make the final eight.
Djokovic walked off the court after his win with no on court interview. He later explained on X as to his decision.
A few words about what happened on court. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025
Alcaraz vs. Djokovic Preview
Alcaraz and Djokovic have played on seven occasions with Djokovic leading 4-3. Djokovic won the pair’s last meeting during the Gold Medal match at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Elsewhere, No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev set up a quarterfinal clash with No. 12 seed Tommy Paul. Zverev defeated No. 14 seed Ugo Humbert 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, and Paul ousted Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-1, 6-1, 6-1.
Monday’s action in Melbourne will feature top seed Jannik Sinner, No. 8 seed Alex de Minuar, and No. 21 seed Ben Shelton.
Sabalenka Wins 18th Straight Match in Melbourne
Top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Sunday, defeating No. 14 seed Mirra Andreeva 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour.
The Belorussion hit three aces, won 78 percent of her first serve points and added 15 winners to her victory. With only three wins keeping her from a three-peat, Sabalenka will next face No. 27 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Pavlyuchenkova dismissed No. 18 seed Donna Vekic 7-6(0), 6-0 later in the day.
Other results on Sunday saw No. 3 seed Coco Gauff, and No. 11 seed Paula Badosa advance to the final eight.
Gauff dispatched Belinda Bencic 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, and Badosa ousted Olga Danilovic 6-1, 7-6(2).
Badosa and Gauff have met on six occasions, with the pair winning three matches each.
On Monday, No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek, No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina, and No. 28 seed Elina Svitolina will be in action.
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