Draper v Alcaraz LIVE: Australian Open 2025 results and reaction plus Djokovic v Lehecka latest
Carlos Alcaraz reached his second Australian Open quarter-final on Sunday when his opponent Jack Draper retired injured when trailing 7-5 6-1.
Spaniard Alcaraz was well on top in the afternoon match at Rod Laver Arena against the Briton, who took a lengthy time-out between the sets.
The four-times Grand Slam champion will meet the winner of Novak Djokovic and Jiri Lehecka, who play in the evening session.
"This is not the way that I want to get through to the next round. I'm just happy to play another quarter-final here in Australia," Alcaraz said on court. "But really sorry for Jack. He doesn't deserve to get injured. He couldn't prepare the start of the season well."
Elsewhere, Novak Djokovic is in action later against the talented Jiri Lehecka, while second seed Alexander Zverev takes on Ugo Humbert. Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka produced dominant displays too and remain on a collision course to meet in the semi-finals.
Follow all of the action from the Australian Open in our live blog below:
Australian Open LIVE
Novak Djokovic, under the guidance of Sir Andy Murray, returns to court later today against Jiri Lehecka at 08:00 GMT
SET! Classy Alcaraz rallies after rant to snatch first set against Draper (5-7)
SET! Alcaraz ruthlessly capitalises on hobbled Draper to extend advantage (5-7, 6-1)
Draper retires to hand Alcaraz comfortable route into quarter-finals as gruelling work in Melbourne takes toll
Classy Alcaraz sends touching message to Draper after retirement
Coco Gauff writes ‘RIP TikTok USA’ on TV camera at Australian Open as app goes offline
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic *6-3 Jiri Lehecka - GAME, FIRST SET DJOKOVIC
08:55 , Jack Rathborn
Too easy, Djokovic out in front and snatches a first set in 37 minutes.
Murray with a gentle applause... But 12 unforced errors at the end for Lehecka, he needs to screw his head back on here, Henman is baffled.
He says: “The reality is you have to be better than one player each day, how well is he playing? OK, but his opponent has donated to him three games.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 5-3* Jiri Lehecka
08:49 , Jack Rathborn
Now then, 0-30, a little hole for Lehecka, but he forces Djokovic deep, advances to the net and demands a high, guided backhand lob from the Serbian, it drifts out and the Czech has a foothold in the game.
But that’s poor, an unforced error and Djokovic has two break points, here we go... A second serve crashes into the net, dismal and a nightmare way to hand Djokovic a chance to serve for the first set.
“Horrific,” says Henman. “That was a late Christmas present for Djokovic.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic *3-2 Jiri Lehecka
08:43 , Jack Rathborn
Djokovic holding his nerve once more, but Lehecka standing up so far and not gifting his illustrious opponent much.
That was a captivating rally, the low slice from Lehecka is the key shot, claims Henman. It drifts just long, but he still has two more game points to level this up.
ACE! Three games apiece, this one bubbling away nicely... Meanwhile Zverev is 3-2 up, on serve, in the third set against Humbert, it’s 1-1 there remember, the Frenchman battling hard.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic *2-1 Jiri Lehecka
08:27 , Jack Rathborn
Sir Andy Murray calm court side and just sipping his water. Djokovic comfortable and holds serve to regain the lead.
“It’s good enough, you only need to be better than one player each day, the challenges will get greater, it’s always the test of adversity, it’s not complicated when you’re playing well,” says Tim Henman.
“We’ll get a greater understanding of where his game is at when he’s challenged more.”
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic *1-0 Jiri Lehecka
08:20 , Jack Rathborn
That’s a positive start, despite starting with a double fault.
He caps it with an ace and walks straight to his chair, no emotion, he is DIALLED in.
Humbert has the second set against Zverev now too, 1-1 there. An upset bubbling, perhaps?
Djokovic set to begin quest to secure Alcaraz quarter-final with fourth round tie against Lehecka
08:09 , Jack Rathborn
Here come the players... Jiri Lehecka walks out at Rod Laver Arena.
A gift of a title in the build-up after Reilly Opelka’s injury, he’ll hope to prove he would’ve won that match anyway.
And Novak Djokovic follows him... Focused, less animated than his opponent.
Humbert hits back against dominant Zverev
08:05 , Jack Rathborn
Well, then, Ugo Humbert is battling and he has a reward, a break in the second set, he leads 3-2 after Zverev rattled off the first set 6-1.
The Frenchman has been gritty since the second set begun, he’ll hope to force the German into a gruelling contest with all the expectations on him to advance and finally crack a Grand Slam.
Coco Gauff writes ‘RIP TikTok USA’ on TV camera at Australian Open as app goes offline
07:51 , Jack Rathborn
Tennis star Coco Gauff mourned the loss of TikTok's app back home, writing on a TV camera lens “RIP TikTok USA” and drawing a broken heart right after winning a match at the Australian Open to reach the quarterfinals.
Gauff's three-set victory in the Grand Slam tournament's main stadium finished on Sunday afternoon local time in Melbourne — about an hour after TikTok could no longer be found on prominent app stores on Saturday in the United States.
A U.S. federal law that would have banned the popular social media platform was scheduled to go into effect. Apple and Google app stores are prohibited from offering TikTok under a law that required its China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a ban in the U.S.
Coco Gauff writes ‘RIP TikTok USA’ on TV camera at Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz sends touching message to Jack Draper after injury troubles return
07:42 , Jack Rathborn
Carlos Alcaraz sent a touching message of support to Jack Draper after the Briton was forced to retire injured in their fourth round match at the Australian Open.
The Spaniard was pushed hard in a competitive first set, but Draper’s body, battered from three straight five-set matches in Melbourne, could not keep pace.
An injury timeout after the first set was followed by a tough second set, where Alcaraz admittedly upped his game, and with a two-set deficit, the Briton called time on his efforts.
Alcaraz was clearly sympathetic to Draper in the closing stages of the contest, with the pair previously poised to link up in a pre-season camp, only for the Briton to pull out due to an injury scare. And the 21-year-old scribbled a note to his fellow player on the lens of one of the cameras at Rod Laver Arena.
Alexander Zverev battles Hugo Humbert for place in Australian Open quarter-finals
07:23 , Jack Rathborn
Alexander Zverev is searching for a first career Grand Slam and standing in his way is Hugo Humbert.
The match is on serve but the German is pushing his French rival close in the third game, at 1-1, with the 14th seed pushed to hold service.
The fast start carves out a break point, but Humbert, out so wide on the ad side of the court. The lefty swings in an ace with Zverev poised out wide for a backhand return. Tasty.
But the German hits back immediately and has another chance, Humbert cracks and goes long, 1-2*.
Jack Draper left to reflect on brutal Australian Open run
07:09 , Jack Rathborn
It was the 16th professional retirement of Jack Draper’s career and a third in Grand Slams alone.
The lack of pre-season work, which Carlos Alcaraz touched on, following aborted plans to join the Spaniard in a valuable camp, might have played a part.
That said, the length and intensity of his matches here were always going to leave him running on empty.
If the injured is not substantial, Draper should emerge stronger from this and with more insight into how to manage his runs at the biggest tournaments.
Carlos Alcaraz, injury prove too much for brave Jack Draper
07:01 , Jack Rathborn
Carlos Alcaraz sends Jack Draper touching message of support
06:56 , Jack Rathborn
Carlos Alcaraz, classy as ever, scribbles a touching note for Jack Draper on the lens of one of the Australian Open cameras...
He says: “You will be where you deserve, get well soon Jack!”
He then scribbles an upset face beneath his message. Let’s hope Draper can bounce back quickly here...
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to victory over Jack Draper
06:50 , Jack Rathborn
"I'm happy with the level of play, I'm comfortable on court in Australia, it's really good, I feel great,” Alcaraz adds.
“The second week, it's important to feel well physically, the matches are going to be even tougher.
“I'm ready, I'm doing great things off the court. I'm excited."
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to victory over Jack Draper
06:44 , Jack Rathborn
“It’s not the way I wanted to win, I’m happy to play another quarter-final, I’m sorry for Jack, he’s a nice guy, he doesn’t deserve to get injured,” says Alcaraz.
“He prepared the start of the season well. We should have done a good week of pre-season, but because of an injury as well.
“I’m sad, but he’ll come back stronger, I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 1-6* Carlos Alcaraz - GAME, SET, MATCH
06:41 , Jack Rathborn
Alcaraz dispatches one final ace to take the set...
Draper drags his feet to his chair and surely enough is enough... Yes, this one is over, he’ll call it one, a wise move after such an effort over the last week.
You just hope the damage is minimal long-term, it’s a bright year ahead for the Briton.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who looked menacing, will be able to tackle a potential quarter-final with Novak Djokovic with a real freshness.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 1-5* Carlos Alcaraz
06:37 , Jack Rathborn
This is concerning now for Draper, is he doing himself more damage than it’s worth to get to the finish line?
Remember, he’s been on court for 12 hours and 44 minutes, Alcaraz only 6 hours and 10 minutes on court.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 1-4* Carlos Alcaraz
06:32 , Jack Rathborn
And Alcaraz is on a mission here, a routine hold.
32 minutes in this set, is he keen to motor home now and save some energy?
Draper is in a bad way too, a grimace on his face.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7, 1-3 Carlos Alcaraz
06:24 , Jack Rathborn
Is it the glute? Draper shuffling a little, maybe the collective toll of his five-set matches is proving too much now, alongside a formidable opponent.
But he shows some pride here, an ace, at 184km/h, shows a bit of fight. He’ll hope to at least complete this match, could that do more damage though?
This is astonishing, Alcaraz gathers what appears to be a superb drop shot from Draper and he gets there before the slide and finessed pass back across the court from where it came. Deuce.
Draper fighting! He wins the game with a towering backhand volley that has enough touch to see the ball die just before Alcaraz can gather again for another soul-destroying return.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 0-3* Carlos Alcaraz
06:21 , Jack Rathborn
That is majestic, the flared foot on the first serve as Alcaraz dishes an ace out wide to Draper’s backhand. Too good.
And then a different ace... This one hammered down the line. What a weapon and a new one at that for the Spaniard. Something he’ll be able to dial in over the coming years. 0-3.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7, 0-2 Carlos Alcaraz
06:18 , Jack Rathborn
Draper now talking to himself between points, trying to get that first serve firing. He saves a break point, but then hands one back after the pair exchange delicate sliced, drop shots...
And the power from Alcaraz does the damage, at key moments, he’s injected some venom into the points and Draper couldn’t respond. A set and a break... This is looking tough for Draper now.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 0-1* Carlos Alcaraz
06:09 , Jack Rathborn
Back out and ready to return... Alcaraz gets us underway in this second set.
A sprint to the net and the most delicate forehand volley showcases the complete game of Alcaraz, he’s not switched off in the break between sets.
A routine hold from the Spaniard, there.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7 Carlos Alcaraz
06:08 , Jack Rathborn
A little alarming, this, the medical timeout sees Draper disappear for a short time. He’s put his body through a lot this last week.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7 Carlos Alcaraz
06:01 , Jack Rathborn
In a slugfest, Alcaraz prevails in set one after 56 minutes...
He produced 21 winners to Draper’s 11.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7 Carlos Alcaraz - GAME, FIRST SET ALCARAZ
05:55 , Jack Rathborn
Much needed, there, VAMOS! screams Alcaraz, he holds and moves to 6-5. But what a contest this has been.
They’ll switch ends and Alcaraz has cooled down...
That is quite magnificent, Draper is controlling the rally and his backhand is deep into the deuce side of the court but the Spaniard sprints across the court and unleashes a rocket, GAME AND FIRST SET ALCARAZ!
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-5 Carlos Alcaraz
05:52 , Jack Rathborn
Time spent on court at Australian Open 2025
Alcaraz: 6h 17m
Draper: 12h 41m
A tense game here, Draper must hold to extend this set and he captures an ace at 30-30, measured and swinging away from the Alcaraz backhand. And he holds, 5-5, this fascinating first set takes a turn.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
05:50 , Jack Rathborn
“It’s crazy,” Alcaraz says, visibly upset and remonstrating with the umpire. Towel gate again?
He’s rattled here after being warned over the time taken to serve.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 3-5* Carlos Alcaraz
05:46 , Jack Rathborn
Alcaraz is 54-1 at Grand Slams when he takes the first set... Not exactly promising for Draper as he attempts to break to stay in the first set... And that defeat after going ahead 1-0 was against Mikael Ymer four years ago in Melbourne in the second round. A different beast entirely now, of course.
Magnificent disguise on the drop shot from Alcaraz, that shot still so potent in his arsenal. But a rushed forehand gives Draper break-back point... 30-40.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
05:44 , Jack Rathborn
Alcaraz not willing to waste any time waiting to serve it out himself, attacking Draper’s serve and dictating the points, sending Draper on a run and then putting the ball in the other half of the court.
But Draper has discovered an extra zip to that serve, can he pair it with the flattened out forehand? Game point, though, and didn’t he pick up two backhands superbly to stay in that rally? THEN, the whipped forehand, scrambling, rockets cross court and flashes past Alcaraz to hold. 3-5.
AND BREAK BACK HE DOES! *4-5. ASTONISHING.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-5* Carlos Alcaraz
05:41 , Jack Rathborn
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-5* Carlos Alcaraz
05:38 , Jack Rathborn
In-to-out forehand, and Alcaraz is now ALIVE!
An ace, too, and this version of the Spaniard is now imposing himself on Draper. Already at 40-0, Draper must compose himself here, he battled so hard to stay level after four games, now the set is getting away from him.
Maybe that’s the spark? Reaching out wide of the lines, a forehand pass gives Draper hope. And another breathtaking winner from the return, a backhand cross court leaves Alcaraz rather puzzled. 40-30. But he’ll dispatch the next point at the net, game and Draper serving to stay in the set.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *2-4 Carlos Alcaraz
05:36 , Jack Rathborn
Alcaraz now dancing into the net and the volley is crisp despite Draper’s thumping backhand.
Break points coming... And a second serve from Draper to come too. And Draper cracks, a backhand dug out fro beneath his feet, then he sprays a forehand wide. The Spaniard seizes an early advantage in this match.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-3* Carlos Alcaraz
05:29 , Jack Rathborn
Now then, a rather unsettled Alcaraz, double fault and hope for Draper, can he snatch this break point? NO! The forehand goes long, a scrappy, rushed return lets the Spaniard off the hook.
A gruelling rally follows and a surprise Alcaraz forehand is pushed down the middle as Draper gambled on the run, advantage Alcaraz but that’s a chance!
It’s already set for a bruising encounter, Alcaraz survives and leads, 2-3.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *2-2 Carlos Alcaraz
05:23 , Jack Rathborn
The conditions in Melbourne will play a part today, it’s hot and humid. That hurts Draper’s chances after his marathon run to this point and being handed a daytime slot despite finishing his third round at almost 1am local time.
Draper’s rhythm isn’t there yet and Alcaraz grabs a hold here, 0-30. But that’s a beautiful first serve, curling away from the Alcaraz backhand, 15-30.
Alcaraz meeting the ball high and early but a second break point escapes him, Draper back at deuce and then crushes an ace, he’s back in business! And a forehand winner, another impressive hold, two more break points saved. A confidence booster for the Briton.
