Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz LIVE: Australian Open score and latest updates from blockbuster quarter-final
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz renew their epic rivalry in the Australian Open quarter-finals, with grand slam history on the line in Melbourne.
Djokovic and Alcaraz are used to contesting major finals, such as the Olympics gold medal match and past two Wimbledon showpieces, but a quarter-final clash is their earliest ever meeting. Djokovic, the seventh seed, defeated Alcaraz in a thrilling Olympics final last year but the young Spaniard has won both of their previous matches at the grand slams, the latest a dominant victory in last summer’s Wimbledon final.
At 37, Djokovic is bidding to win a 25th grand slam and 100th career title this month, and the Serbian was caught up in a storm when boycotting a post-match interview and demanding an apology from host broadcaster Channel 9 over “insulting and offensive” comments towards him from presenter Tony Jones. Djokovic has received his apology, but the controversy may add an extra edge to the contest.
Alcaraz, at 21, is bidding to become the youngest man to complete the career grand slam, as the entertaining third seed bids to win the Australian Open for the first time. The winner will play second seed Alexander Zverev, who survived a test against American Tommy Paul to return to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka also prevailed in a tough battle against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and the defending champion will face Paula Badosa in the semi-finals. Badosa ended Coco Gauff’s winning run to reach her first grand slam semi-final.
Follow live updates from Djokovic v Alcaraz in our live blog below.
Djokovic v Alcaraz: Australian Open latest score updates
Novak Djokovic faces Carlos Alcaraz in blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final
THIRD SET! Djokovic wins point of the tournament to come from behind
SECOND SET! Injured Djokovic takes fight to Alcaraz to level match
FIRST SET! Impressive Alcaraz leads after Djokovic takes medical timeout
Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in Olympics final but Spaniard has won last two grand slam matches
Djokovic bids for 25th grand slam title but caught up in storm by boycotting interview
Winner will play Alexander Zverev after four-set win over Tommy Paul
Aryna Sabalenka battles past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Coco Gauff knocked out by Spain's Paula Badosa 7-5 6-4
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 3-5 Novak Djokovic
13:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic tumbles behind the baseline after Alcaraz fires long! He’s quickly back to his feet and has game point.
Alcaraz clips the net-cord and Djokovic puts away the forehand. He holds from 15-40 and move a game away!
Alcaraz threw everything at that.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 3-4 Novak Djokovic
13:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz steers the winner on the opening point of the Djokovic service game... Huge moments late in this fourth set.
And Alcaraz does it again! He steps around the forehand and whips the sublime winner inside the line. 0-30.
Djokovic responds to crush the backhand winner down the line!
But the hitting from Alcaraz is just too good! Alcaraz wins another long rally, this time 22 shots, as Djokovic struggles to catch his breath! He eventually fired wide on the forehand!
TWO BREAK POINTS. Alcaraz frames the forehand and sends it deep into the crowd! Unbelievable! He has another chance.
Djokovic saves the second! After two lets, he finds the first serve and moves in well. Even a player as quick as Alcaraz can’t reach the volley.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 3-4 Novak Djokovic*
13:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is all over the Djokovic forehand at the net! He swats away the volley and holds to stay alive! Incredible spirit, and he’s loving this.
Djokovic requires two more holds. We continue, now approaching 1am local time.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-4 Novak Djokovic*
13:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz moves from 15-15 to 40-15 as Djokovic puts two returns long.
The double fault returns from Alcaraz... and it’s followed by a drop shot, trickled into the net!
Now Alcaraz nets on the forehand and Djokovic has break point! This for the double break!
WHAT A POINT! INSANE! Alcaraz and Djokovic throwing absolutely everything at each other! Djokovic eventually misses on the forehand.
33 POINTS! Alcaraz is buckled over, catching his breath on court. Djokovic rages towards Murray!
That to SAVE BREAK POINT AND STAY ALIVE!
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-4 Novak Djokovic
13:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Another wide serve from Djokovic. Alcaraz again can’t make the play on it and swipes his racket in frustration. He’s had looks.
Game point. Alcaraz goes long on the return, opting for the backhand. Another huge hold from Djokovic and he moves two games away.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-3 Novak Djokovic
13:25 , Jamie Braidwood
Into the fourth hour of the match. It’s 12:23 am on Wednesday morning in Melbourne.
And Djokovic will have to come through another tough service game. Alcaraz whacked a massive forehand and Djokovic can’t find the first serve as he is required to face 30-30.
But he steadies to find the ace out wide, muttering to his box after landing the mark. Alcaraz dials up the power of his grounstrokes, switches to the drop shot, but Djokovic can’t find the return!
Another deuce. Djokovic found a gutsy second serve out wide, but Alcaraz respond with another huge forehand to bring it back to deuce.
I can’t believe it! Djokovic, again, produced the steely wide serve - but Alcaraz stays alive with a dead net-cord. Another deuce.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 2-3 Novak Djokovic*
13:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is finding something. After pushing for the break, he holds to love in the next game. He finds the forehand winner and ace down the middle to put the pressure straight back to Djokovic.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 1-3 Novak Djokovic
13:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is asking questions! He finds a monster backhand crosscourt to get to 30-30 on the Djokovic serve.
And now a double fault from Djokovic! Alcaraz will have the chance to break back!
EXTRAORDINARY RALLY! Djokovic saves break point with amazing defence, withstanding Alcaraz’s attacks. Deuce.
Now Alcaraz goes for too much! The forehand is hit long. And Djokovic holds! Another incredible defensive point, as the lob wrong-foots Alcaraz.
Huge hold from Djokovic.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 1-2 Novak Djokovic*
13:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz gets a relatively simple hold of serve for the first time in what feels like ages. Djokovic’s returning has been so, so good but now he just needs a few more holds to get over the line.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 0-2 Novak Djokovic
13:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz has won just three games since he led 6-4 4-4 in the second set. The response from Djokovic has been out of this world.
Alcaraz needs some inspiration. He flashes a backhand winner down the line but Djokovic immediately shuts him out to hold, slamming the first serve out wide.
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 0-1 Novak Djokovic*
13:01 , Jamie Braidwood
There is no let-up in the drama and Djokovic strikes first in the fourth set! Extraordinary! Djokovic attacks Alcaraz right from the start and brings up two break points, blasting a forehand into Alcaraz’s feet from the net.
He then pushes his forehand long and Djokovic breaks to start the fourth! Alcaraz is also shaking out his legs, struggling with his body as well as the play from Djokovic.
Australian Open: SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 Novak Djokovic
12:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Amazing scenes. Djokovic is a set away from the semi-finals. But Alcaraz is the king of the five-setter and won’t be giving up just yet. The 21-year-old was smiling as he returned to his seat. Djokovic was giving it back to the crowd.
Australian Open: SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-6 Novak Djokovic
12:49 , Jamie Braidwood
We’ve had three consecutive breaks of serve. Djokovic needs the hold to win the set but starts off with a double fault.
Huge tension... and now Alcaraz toys with Djokovic to land a sublime drop shot on his backhand side. Immaculate.
0-30. Alcaraz yells in anger again as two returns go long of the baseline in consecutive points. 30-30 now.
A massive point, a tense rally! Alcaraz goes for the winner down the line but nets! It’s set point to Djokovic for a 2-1 lead!
OH MY GOODNESS! RALLY OF THE TOURNAMENT! DJOKOVIC AND ALCARAZ HAD WON THAT AT LEAST TWICE EACH!
But Djokovic shows incredible defence to reach the lob and produce the backhand crosscourt. Alcaraz goes for the drop shot, Djokovic reaches it! Alcaraz nets!
WHAT A SET OF TENNIS! And, somehow, Djokovic leads despite struggling early on!
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-5 Novak Djokovic*
12:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz releases a huge yell of frustration as he immediately faces 0-40! Djokovic’s returns once again crack Alcaraz’s attacking game, as a couple of errors from the Spaniard bring up three break points.
Djokovic only needs one! Shot of the match from Djokovic as he lands a forehand winner into the corner to finish a 22-shot rally!
Djokovic holds his finger to his ear and will serve for the set!
Australian Open: BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 3-4 Novak Djokovic
12:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Now can Alcaraz respond? He raises his level and forces Djokovic into the miss from his forehand corner, bringing up 0-30.
And now it’s a double fault from Djokovic! 0-40 and three break points for Alcaraz to hit straight back in this third set.
Djokovic saves the first two behind excellent serving - with the forehand winner and wide serve that Alcaraz cannot return.
Alcaraz breaks! The Spaniard stands tall on the baseline and runs around his forehand to attack Djokovic down the line.
Djokovic’s defence breaks down and he can’t return on the backhand side! Alcaraz finds a way to overturn the momentum!
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 2-4 Novak Djokovic*
12:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz blinks on the forehand volley on 15-0, sending it long. Is the pressure of Djokovic’s return game getting to him? Alcaraz steadies, but back-to-back misses from Alcaraz brings up a third consecutive deuce game on the Spaniard’s serve.
A double fault from Alcaraz! Now he is feeling the pressure of the Djokovic return, as he pushes the serve long.
Djokovic holds firm against the Alcaraz forehand, defending his corner. Alcaraz nets and Djokovic does get the break in this crucial third set! From 40-15 up, Alcaraz is broken.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 2-3 Novak Djokovic
12:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Right now, with the injured seemingly behind him and his body holding up physically, Djokovic looks to be the dominant player in this quarter-final.
Alcaraz digs in on the defence with all his might but Djokovic puts away the overhead. 40-15. Djokovic has the ball on a string and finds the first serve and backhand winner out wide.
3-2.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 2-2 Novak Djokovic*
12:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Can Djokovic take his chance this time? Alcaraz is given a time violation warning when facing 0-30, after Djokovic wins the net-exchange on the opening point and then loses another with a backhand unforced error.
The Alcaraz drop shot is followed by the forehand winner! But Djokovic once again steps into the return and crushes the winner down the line to bring up another break point.
Alcaraz saves another one. He moves Djokovic deep into his forehand corner and he nets. Deuce.
Awesome direction from Alcaraz, finding excellent width and angles. Djokovic misses down the line.
Another tricky test passed! Alcaraz finds the one-two strike and puts away the forehand.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 1-2 Novak Djokovic
12:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic holds as Alcaraz nets on the second-serve. Bit of a loose game from Alcaraz, but perhaps understandable after the long service game in the previous one.
It’s approaching 11:30pm in Melbourne and tennis is once again facing the prospect of a major match being played after midnight.
No one is leaving Rod Laver Arena just yet, but it’s a huge shame for everyone there that the sport just can’t get its scheduling right.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 1-1 Novak Djokovic*
12:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Not sure where he’s found it from, but Djokovic is playing at his highest level of his match right now. He is coping physically with Alcaraz’s shot, and defends on the stretch to force Alcaraz into the backhand miss.
30-30. Supreme return from Djokovic on the wide serve, then he finds the backhand pass crosscourt! Stunning winner and it sets up break point!
But Djokovic creaks and groans, and is forced off-balance by Alcaraz as the forehand brings up deuce. Djokovic, though, increases the power and wins a brutal baseline rally!
Second break point. Djokovic can’t keep the return in play and Alcaraz stays patient on the third deuce to direct the forehand winner into the corner.
Incredible defence from Alcaraz out wide on his forehand, salvaging the point when Djokovic looked to find the winner! Djokovic nets and Alcaraz gets the hold after saving two break points. Epic game.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 0-1 Novak Djokovic
12:11 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic crushes his forehand to get to 40-15 but Alcaraz hangs on and returns to the drop shot to force deuce.
Djokovic finds the first serve and puts the forehand behind Alcaraz - then lands an excellent second serve, spinning it down the middle.
Alcaraz nets on the stretch.
Australian Open: SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 Novak Djokovic
12:08 , Jamie Braidwood
A hugely contrasting second set, with Djokovic playing much more aggressively and returning sensationally. Whether that has been inspired by his left leg injury, and being compromised physically, it seems to be the key to the match for Djokovic: keep the points short and target Alcaraz’s serve.
Alcaraz won just 4/12 second serve points.
Australian Open: SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-6 Novak Djokovic
12:05 , Jamie Braidwood
A backhand miss from Alcaraz on the opening point, then he loses his footing as Djokovic takes on the rising ball and pounds it back for the forehand winner!
Djokovic lands a trademark return and Alcaraz nets on the backhand while off-balance! 0-40, three break points.
And three set points: Djokovic only needs one! He steps in and punishes the Alcaraz second serve, flashing the return winner down the line.
WE ARE LEVEL! Djokovic fights on.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-5 Novak Djokovic
11:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Winner! Stunning start from Alcaraz as he curls the forehand winner down the line, with Djokovic stranded at the net.
But there is an interruption as a ball-kid has to clean up the court - not completely sure why but there is a suggestion a bird may have left something after flying overhead.
From 0-15, Djokovic puts the forehand into the on-rushing Alcaraz’s feet, and then controls the rally to put the overhead away.
Alcaraz flashes the backhand an inch wide. A superb hold from Djokovic from 0-15 down.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-4 Novak Djokovic*
11:57 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic hops on his right leg after missing another forehand on the run. Alcaraz finds his fifth ace of the match and holds when Djokovic finds the net with a drop shot.
A must-hold game coming up for Djokovic in a must-win set.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 3-4 Novak Djokovic
11:53 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic quickly gets a 40-0 lead on serve but then catches the net-cord, as Alcaraz pops the volley over. A forehand miss from Djokovic forces him to dig deep again on 40-30.
But Djokovic holds his nerve over an overhead and puts it past Alcaraz. 4-3.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 3-3 Novak Djokovic*
11:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Ooof. A double fault from Alcaraz on the second deuce hands Djokovic another break point chance, in what is turning into a long game.
Alcaraz saves with the ace out wide! Clutch from the 21-year-old under pressure. Djokovic goes long on the forehand, after Alcaraz withstood the return attack.
Alcaraz goes back to the drop shot and Djokovic pulls up as it bounces twice. He holds to get back level at 3-3.
Seriously impressive response from Alcaraz to get back on terms, having saved break point too.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 2-3 Novak Djokovic*
11:43 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic looks uncomfortable hitting on the run, and has done all match. A backhand is pushed wide and Alcaraz has 40-15 on serve.
Djokovic, though, is finding success by taking the ball early and force Alcaraz to do the running. Consecutive misses from the Spaniard brings up deuce.
And Alcaraz rolls his neck after pulling the forehand wide! From 40-15, it’s deuce. Alcaraz can’t find the first serve.
After a tense rally, Alcaraz goes to the drop shot and finds the simple pass after Djokovic is able to reach it. The perfect approach from Alcaraz.
Deuce.
What a shot from Djokovic to save game point! Alcaraz went for the drop shot again, but Djokovic reached it, and then leapt to make the overhead!
Australian Open: BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 2-3 Novak Djokovic
11:36 , Jamie Braidwood
You feel this set is a must-win for Djokovic. But he nets on a forehand from mid-court, and faces 15-30.
It’s rare to see Alcaraz argue on court, but he’s not happy as Djokovic is granted a let after a late call.
On 15-30, Alcaraz sends the backhand long, but Djokovic will face break point after another miss.
Alcaraz gets the break! Djokovic went for the serve-volley, but Alcaraz blasted the backhand at Djokovic.
He puts the volley wide! Loose game from Djokovic, and Alcaraz gets back on serve.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-3 Novak Djokovic*
11:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz holds to love as Djokovic nets on the backhand. Alcaraz is up to 86% of first-serve points won in this set, but has won just 20% when on a second serve.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 0-3 Novak Djokovic
11:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic looked to be coasting towards the hold after finding impressive serving, but Alcaraz finds a way to make it awkward!
Incredible defence from Alcaraz allows him to reach the Djokovic forehand and hang up the lob, which Djokovic slams into the net!
Alcaraz digs in on the rally and Djokovic nets, taking the game to deuce as the 37-year-old winces once more.
Super save from Djokovic, as he moves in to put away the volley. He is playing a lot more assertively now and, unlike the first set, he holds to consolidate the break.
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 0-2 Novak Djokovic*
11:24 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz finds an important first serve on 30-30, then steering the forehand into the open court for a simple winner.
But, in one of the stories of the match so far, Djokovic steps on the Alcaraz second serve and blasts the return winner on the backhand.
And again! Djokovic steps it up on the forehand this time, finding some inspiration with another return winner.
Break point: huge forehand from Djokovic! He breaks to lead 2-0, just like the first. What a game for Djokovic, with three return winners.
Alcaraz went 0/4 on second serve points and he was completely taken apart by Djokovic. Game on.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 0-1 Novak Djokovic
11:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Encouragement for Djokovic fans as he holds serve to love to start the second set. Alcaraz had the chance at the backhand down the line but missed long.
As we enter the second hour of this match, Djokovic has strapping under the shorts of his left leg but was moving well enough in that game.
Australian Open: SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Novak Djokovic
11:16 , Jamie Braidwood
In a blink of an eye, Alcaraz wraps up the first set with an ace, and love-hold.
He strikes first in the quarter-final and was the better player after settling into the match, having had his serve broken early on. He’s been the aggressor and has 13 winners to just three from Djokovic.
With his opponent seemingly injured, Alcaraz is making Djokovic move around the court. Djokovic seemed resigned after returning to the court from his medical timeout.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Novak Djokovic
11:13 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic is back on court, with heavy strapping on his left leg.. But this is a major worry for the 37-year-old, who needs to be at his absolute best, physically, mentally and tactically, to beat Alcaraz. Playing with an injury is hardly ideal.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Novak Djokovic
11:08 , Jamie Braidwood
MEDICAL TIMEOUT!
Djokovic is heading off the court for treatment. He was struggling and wincing after some long points.
Alcaraz is staying out on court and he will serve for the first set... assuming Djokovic returns.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Novak Djokovic
11:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Again, Alcaraz gets his reward for playing onto the front foot and Djokovic can’t return when pushes onto his forehand side.
Break point: incredible get from Alcaraz on the backhand defence, but Djokovic puts the forehand winner behind him! Djokovic saves.
Alcaraz goes again and lands a rocket of a backhand down the line! Djokovic was nowhere near it.
Second break point: Djokovic saves again behind the first serve and forehand struck on the volley.
Still, Djokovic can’t get out of trouble. He shanks the backhand and Alcaraz will have a third chance.
And he takes it! Alcaraz controls the rally - Djokovic is forced into the miss again and is struggling with something.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 4-4 Novak Djokovic*
10:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic races to meet an Alcaraz drop shot and tucks the forehand winner down the line, but he is struggling when Alcaraz pushes him wide onto his forehand wing and nets on the stretch.
Big point on 15-15... and it’s sublime from Alcaraz! He changes the point with a backhand, cut on the angle. Djokovic reaches it but Alcaraz finds the forehand pass!
He points to his ear! 15-30 and a chance for Alcaraz as Djokovic stretches out on court. OOOF. Alcaraz went for the big forehand winner down the line and is out by a couple of inches!
30-30. Alcaraz had a look at the second serve but can’t find the return, but Djokovic can’t get the hold as he pushes long on the backhand.
We go to deuce.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 4-4 Novak Djokovic*
10:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic has made just one winner so far, with the match being played behind Alcaraz’s racket. He’s making a few erros, though, as a forehand into the net offers Djokovic a look at 15-30.
Alcaraz steadies with back-to-back first serves, Djokovic can’t read the Alcaraz drop shot - tucked into the corner.
Djokovic turns to his box in a rage, and then nets on the backhand return. That was pretty simple for Alcaraz to get out of trouble.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 3-4 Novak Djokovic
10:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic with a swift hold as Alcaraz pushes the backhand wide. Djokovic is now up to 80% first serves, having made 20/25 so far.
Alcaraz showed off his electric speed to reach a Djokovic drop shot and push the backhand down the line... but Djokovic moves ahead.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 3-3 Novak Djokovic*
10:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz switches it up with a trademark drop shot, behind his first serve.
Djokovic cracks the return into the net and Alcaraz holds to level at 3-3.
One thing to watch out for: it’s approaching 10pm in Melbourne and this is not the sort of match that is likely to be wrapped up in a couple of hours... it’s going to be a late one for the locals, as well as Djokovic and Alcaraz. Tennis will tennis.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 2-3 Novak Djokovic
10:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz with a brilliant wide serve-forehand cross combination to put the winner behind Djokovic.
But his serving level has dipped slightly in this game and a double fault brings 30-30...
Djokovic sees the channel for the backhand pass as Alcaraz comes in, but he pushes wide.
Incredible depth from Djokovic - Alcaraz is sure his forehand landed out, but then nets on the backhand.
Deuce.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 2-3 Novak Djokovic
10:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz pumps his right arm after landing the forehand of the match so far, blazed down the line as he and Djokovic raised the level of the rally!
Alcaraz pushes a second-serve backhand return long of the baseline, but the Spaniard then clips the crosscourt return winner off the forehand after Djokovic went wide.
The level from Alcaraz is rising... as Djokovic clips the net-cord with a forehand and we head to a first deuce game.
Djokovic wrong-foots Alcaraz behind the forehand then finds the first serve to quickly wrap it up. The Serbian is 15/20 from first serves (75%).
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 2-2 Novak Djokovic*
10:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz’s new serve has been a big talking point throughout the Australian Open and faces its biggest test against a quality returner like Djokovic today.
But the Spaniard finds the first ace of the match when down 0-15 and earns the hold from there to level the opening set as Djokovic pushes the backhand wide.
Alcaraz with 8/11 first serves so far (73%). He will need to keep that level throughout the match.
Australian Open: BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 1-2 Novak Djokovic
10:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Now the errors come from Djokovic! The 10-time Australian Open champion misses on a routine forehand from the baseline, pushing it wide.
Alcaraz will have an immediate chance to break back. It leads to the first gruelling rally of the match, there are a couple of clips of the net-cord, but Alcaraz picks his moment and leans into the backhand winner down the line!
Alcaraz breaks, and then breaks into a wide smile on the change of ends. Djokovic made a couple of key errors on 15-15 and 30-30.
Australian Open: BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 0-2 Novak Djokovic*
10:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Despite that incredible pick-up volley from Alcaraz, the errors continue from the Spaniard and Djokovic makes the perfect start!
From 30-30, Alcaraz makes consecutive misses from the baseline, on both backhand and forehand wings. Djokovic breaks.
Five unforced errors in the first couple of games from Alcaraz and Djokovic now has the chance to build a commanding lead.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Novak Djokovic
10:25 , Jamie Braidwood
A nervy start from Alcaraz, cracking a forehand into the net and then pushing another forehand long from his backhand corner.
0-30 to Djokovic. Amazing! Djokovic found a stunning return and backhand pass crosscourt, to surely win the point.
But Alcaraz gets down to the pick-up volley, with the backspin taking it away from Djokovic! His opponent applauds.
Australian Open: *Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Novak Djokovic
10:23 , Jamie Braidwood
Strong serving from Djokovic in the opening game, with three of four first serves made to get to 40-15.
The wind and breezy conditions were certainly a factor in the previous match involving Sabalenka.
And Djokovic is pushed into the forehand error out wide, as Alcaraz gets get to 40-30.
Djokovic finds the first serve out wide and Alcaraz lands the return out on the backhand.
Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Novak Djokovic*
10:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! Rod Laver Arena crackles with excitement as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz step out onto court, in the latest chapter of their epic, generational rivalry.
Djokovic is the 10-time champion here, but his winning run in Melbourne was put to an end by Jannik Sinner in last season’s semi-finals.
Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic in their last two grand slam matches but the 37-year-old won the biggest match of last year in the Olympics final.
But this is their first meeting at a hard court grand slam, with Djokovic winning both matches they’ve played at the ATP Finals and Cincinatti.
So.... who wins? The Australian Open ‘win predictor’ gives it to Djokovic, by 56%. He will serve first to start this quarter-final.
*denotes next server
What has Carlos Alcaraz said about Novak Djokovic?
10:11 , Jamie Braidwood
“If I think about everything he has done in tennis, I couldn't play. I mean, 24 grand slam titles, the most weeks at No. 1, everything. He almost broke every record in tennis. I'm trying not to think about that when I'm in the match.
“I'm just trying to beat him. I know my weapons. I know that I'm able to play a good tennis against him, I'm able to beat him. That's all I'm thinking when I'm facing him.
“I think what every player or the best players think when they face Novak, just playing and believing in their-selves.”
Coach Andy Murray faces biggest test against Carlos Alcaraz
10:10 , Jamie Braidwood
When Novak Djokovic announced that he would be appointing Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open, it was for matches like today’s quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz in mind.
Djokovic was beaten in both matches against Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the grand slams last year, and the 37-year-old was looking for something new to help defeat his young rivals over best of five sets.
He identified Murray as the solution. The former World No 1 knew Djokovic’s game from back to front, and had experience of facing Alcaraz and Sinner in ihs final months on the tour.
“He knows the evolution of my game, the weaknesses and strengths of my game,” Djokovic said. “He also knows the game, the tennis game, of the biggest players in the world right now because he has just recently retired as a player.”
Against Alcaraz, we will see what impact coach Murray may have.
What has Novak Djokovic said about Carlos Alcaraz?
10:09 , Jamie Braidwood
“I'm expecting a big battle, as it's the case in most of our matches where we faced each. other. Maybe just couple times it was quite one-sided Wimbledon finals last year, he was the dominant force on the court. I had a really good match against him in the World Tour Finals in 2023.
“Other than that, we had some long battles, long exchanges kind of matches that I played against him. Remind me of my matchups versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court.
“He's very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented. Charismatic player. Great to watch; not that great to play against.”
Novak Djokovic receives apology from Australian TV presenter over ‘offensive’ comments
10:06 , Jamie Braidwood
An Australian TV presenter has publicly apologised to Novak Djokovic and Serbian tennis fans after the 10-time Australian Open champion boycotted his post-match interview on Sunday.
Djokovic revealed afterwards that his decision not to answer on-court questions in the customary manner following his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka was in protest at comments made on host broadcaster Channel 9 by Tony Jones.
Jones mocked a group of chanting Djokovic fans behind him ahead of the Serbian’s third-round match by singing: “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.”
Djokovic is satisfied with the apology issued by Jones.
“Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested," read a statement issued Monday by Tennis Australia, "and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”
Australian TV host apologises to Novak Djokovic over ‘offensive’ comments
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz head to head
10:05 , Jamie Braidwood
This will be the eighth match between Djokovic and Alcaraz and their fourth over best of five sets. Djokovic currently leads the head to head with four wins to three, and won their last meeting in an epic victory at the Olympics final.
While Alcaraz’s previous two wins over Djokovic have come in the Wimbledon final, in 2023 and 2024, this will be their first grand slam match played on a hard court, following a French Open semi-final in 2023.
Djokovic v Alcaraz Head-to-head
2024: Olympics final (clay) - Djokovic won 7-6 7-6
2024: Wimbledon final (grass) - Alcaraz won 6-2 6-2 7-6
2023: ATP Finals semi-final (indoor hard) - Djokovic won 6-3 6-2
2023: Cincinnati final (outdoor hard) - Djokovic won 5-7 7-6 7-6
2023: Wimbledon final (grass) - Alcaraz won 1-6 7-6 6-1 2-6 6-4
2023: French Open semi-final (clay) - Djokovic won 6-2 5-7 6-1 6-1
2022: Madrid semi-final (clay) Alcaraz won 6-7 7-5 7-6
Australian Open: GAME, SET AND MATCH!
10:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-2 6-3 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Pavlyuchenkova threatened the big upset, but Sabalenka slams the door in the third set! The defending champion survives a scare to win for the 19th match in a row at the Australian Open, and moves on to the semi-finals.
She will play her good friend, Spain’s Paula Badosa, in the final four. That was a tough test, and Sabalenka dropped her first set since the 2023 final. But she is so hard to beat and that was an impressive recovery. The three-peat is still on.
Sabalenka is relieved. “Guys, I was praying,” she tells Jelena Dokic on court. “It was very difficult. She plays amazing tennis, super aggressive, I’m super happy to somehow, magically, win this match. Now you guys can enjoy the battle between Djokovic and Alcaraz.”
Australian Open: *Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-2 5-3 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
09:57 , Jamie Braidwood
The pressure weighs on Pavlyuchenkova and Sabalenka breaks to have the chance to serve for the match! Pavlyuchenkova’s level has come down a touch, and she faced big pressure points on her serve after the hot-streak on the winners cooled down. Sabalenka takes advantage with champion’s timing.
Now can she serve it out?
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-2 4-3 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova*
09:49 , Jamie Braidwood
Sabalenka rattles off eight points in a row on serve to steady the ship, putting some pressure on Pavlyuchenkova as we enter the business end of this quarter-final.
Has the momentum turned again?
BREAKS! Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-2 2-2 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
09:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Strange! Pavlyuchenkova cracked a hole in the Sabalenka aura with another break, before playing her worst service game of the match and being broken to love. A major dip from the 27th seed.
BREAKS! Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-2 1-1 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
09:34 , Jamie Braidwood
A trade of breaks at the start of the second set, with both players showing their frustration after losing serve early in the decider.
It was key for Sabalenka to break back, though, after Pavlyuchenkova looked to try and maintain her momentum into the third.
The World No 1 battled through a testing deuce game, finding the backhand winner down the line and then forcing Pavlyuchenkova into the miss at the net.
Djokovic and Alcaraz watch on in the gym behind the scenes.
SET! Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova levels against Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-2
09:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Wow! Who saw this coming? Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova strikes back against World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka with a set of the highest quality. The 27th seed strikes 10 winners to just four unforced errors, blitzing Sabalenka’s game from the back of the court with clean, aggressive hitting.
Sabalenka didn’t do too much wrong. But she now faces a deciding set for a place in the semi-finals. It’s the first set she has lost since the 2023 final against Elena Rybakina. She had won 24 in a row.
Novak Djokovic: 'I believe I can win against any opponent'
09:08 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic on his improving form ahead of facing Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals:
“I think the last two matches have been really high level. I played two Czech players that are in a really good form.
“[Jiri] Lehecka won a tournament in the first week of the season. He's been feeling the ball great. It was a great matchup for me prior to Alcaraz. Of course, I wasn't thinking about Alcaraz before winning this match, which again I didn't see myself as a clear favourite.
“I'm really glad to be able to beat both [Tomas] Machac and Lehecka in straight sets. That encourages me to believe I can win against any opponent really on a good day when I'm feeling my best. That's what I'm trying to focus on, my game, recovery, making sure that I'm ready for whatever awaits me on the court.”
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova hits back against Aryna Sabalenka
09:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Quite the turnaround on Rod Laver Arena as Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova claims the double-break in double-quick time to lead Aryna Sabalenka 4-1 in the second set.
The Russian is hitting big and is landing her explosive strikes to rush Sabalenka around the court. It looks like we’re heading for a third.
Novak Djokovic's path to Australian Open quarter-finals
08:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic has been much sharper in rounds three and four after dropping sets in both of his opening victories against inexperienced opponents in Melbourne.
After admitting he was outplayed at times by American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy and Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, Djokovic knew he had to wake up.
And he returned to form to dismiss the challenge of Czech threats Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka, and in convincing fashion, too:
R1: vs Basavareddy (WC) 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2
R2: vs Faria (Q) 6-1 6-7 6-3 6-2
R3: vs Machac (26) 6-1 6-4 6-4
R4: vs Lehecka (24) 6-3 6-4 7-6
QF: vs Alcaraz (3)
Time on court: 11 hours
Carlos Alcaraz's path to Australian Open quarter-final
08:51 , Jamie Braidwood
The Spaniard’s route to the quarter-finals has been as smooth as could be. Alcaraz has dropped just one set, to Nuno Borges, and advanced against Jack Draper when the British No 1 retired at the end of the second set.
You could make an argument that Alcaraz has not been required to find his highest level so far, with the 21-year-old also deciding to miss the warm-up events and arrive straight at the Australian Open. He’s played more than three hours less than Djokovic.
R1: vs Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 7-5 6-1
R2: vs Yoshihito Nishioka 6-0 6-1 6-4
R3: vs Nuno Borges 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-2
R4: vs Jack Draper (15) 7-5 6-1 ret.
Time on court: 7 hours 45 minutes
FIRST SET! Aryna Sabalenka leads Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2
08:38 , Jamie Braidwood
Sabalenka breaks Pavlyuchenkova to win the first set 6-2 and looks to be closing in on a 19th consecutive victory at the Australian Open.
It’s going to take something special to stop the World No 1. It doesn’t look like that will be Pavlyuchenkova. But could it be Paula Badosa?
Australian Open: Aryna Sabalenka leads Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 5-2*
08:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Aryna Sabalenka has raced into a commanding first-set lead against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the second women’s quarter-final.
The World No 1 is a break up and Pavlyuchenkova makes two double faults in a row as she tries to hold to stay in the set.
The winner of this will face Paula Badosa in the semi-finals.
Alexander Zverev through to Australian Open semi-finals
08:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev is through to the Australian Open finals for the second year in a row after riding his luck to beat American Tommy Paul.
Paul served for the first and second sets but Zverev broke back and then played excellent tiebreaks, eventually winning 7-6 (1) 7-6 (0) 2-6 6-1.
“I should have been down two sets to love,” Zverev said. “He played better than me, I was not playing great and I thought he was.
“I won the first set somehow, won the second set somehow. The fourth set was definitely the best I’ve played and I’m obviously extremely happy to be back in the semi-finals.”
Zverev will play the winner of the other quarter-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
Paula Badosa halts Coco Gauff's winning run in Australian Open quarter-finals
08:10 , Eleanor Crooks
Paula Badosa ended Coco Gauff’s winning run to reach her first grand slam semi-final at the Australian Open.
The American third seed arrived in Melbourne as the most in-form player on tour after winning the WTA Finals to end last season and then all five singles matches at the United Cup, including a clash against Iga Swiatek.
She went into the clash with 11th seed Badosa on a 13-match winning streak but it was the Spaniard who came out on top in a 7-5 6-4 victory.
Paula Badosa bests Coco Gauff in Australian Open quarterfinals
Australian Open order of play - Tuesday 21 January
07:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Rod Laver Arena - (all times UK/GMT)
Paula Badosa bt Coco Gauff 7-5 6-4
Alexander Zverev bt. Tommy Paul 7-6 7-6 2-6 6-1
From 8am: Aryna Sabalenka vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Followed by: Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
When is Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz?
07:01 , Jamie Braidwood
The match has been scheduled last on Rod Laver Arena, and will follow the women’s quarter-final between Aryna Sabalenka and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
The night session on Rod Laver Arena begins at 8am GMT, so Djokovic and Alcaraz could expect to take the court at around 9:30am. However, it could be slightly earlier or later depending on the previous match involving Sabalenka.
Good morning
06:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz renew their epic rivalry in a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final clash in Melbourne.
Djokovic, 37, and Alcaraz, 21, meet for an eighth time, in their first match since the Serbian’s historic victory in the Olympic final at Roland Garros last summer.
Djokovic is bidding to become the oldest grand slam champion of all time as he targets a 25th title in Melbourne.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, can become the youngest man to complete the career grand slam if he goes all the way.
The Spaniard has triumphed in their last two matches at the grand slam level, which both came in Wimbledon finals.
Follow for all the build-up ahead of a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final
