Carlos Alcaraz’s journey at the Australian Open 2025 took an unexpected turn, yet the setback didn’t seem to diminish his humor. During his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz found a way to amuse both himself and the audience, even as the contest leaned in favor of the Serbian star.
The match began with high stakes for both players. Djokovic was pursuing his 11th Australian Open title, a record-extending feat, while Alcaraz was aiming to secure his first win at Melbourne Park. The Rod Laver Arena was charged with anticipation as the two players engaged in an intense opening set.
Midway through the set, with the score tied at 4-4, Alcaraz broke Djokovic’s serve to take a 5-4 lead. However, before the Spaniard could serve for the set, Djokovic requested a medical timeout (MTO) after an intense rally left him visibly uncomfortable. The Serbian was seen grimacing and stretching before medical personnel escorted him off the court. Alcaraz, sitting at his bench, patiently awaited his return. Shortly after, Alcaraz won the set, taking an early advantage in the match.
Carlos Alcaraz grabs his leg after losing the set to Djokovic at Australian Open
“He’s kind of limping around. Then he gets up & does it again. Limping around & sitting down. He’s obviously fine. Just acting like he’s got an injury”
“He’s being Novak.”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2025
Despite the promising start, Alcaraz’s momentum faded as Djokovic turned the tables, claiming the next two sets to establish a commanding position. After Djokovic secured the third set, Alcaraz injected humor into the situation by theatrically limping and grabbing his thighs, seemingly imitating Djokovic’s earlier actions. This act drew mixed reactions from the crowd and commentators. Christopher Eubanks, an American player and commentator, remarked on the mimicry, suggesting Alcaraz was poking fun at Djokovic’s earlier injury timeout, which some fans believed was a strategic ploy to disrupt Alcaraz’s rhythm.
As Djokovic’s dominance continued, he ultimately triumphed in four sets to advance to his 50th Grand Slam semifinal. Reflecting on the match, Djokovic expressed admiration for Alcaraz, calling him an incredible competitor and acknowledging his significant achievements at such a young age. The Serbian noted Alcaraz’s potential to dominate the sport for years to come, emphasizing his respect for the Spaniard’s talent and character.
In a lighthearted moment following the match, Djokovic quipped that he wished their battle had been the tournament’s final, underscoring the high level of play and intensity they brought to the quarterfinal clash. The victory marked another milestone in Djokovic’s illustrious career, setting up a semifinal encounter against Alexander Zverev on January 24.
The rivalry between Djokovic and Alcaraz has gained prominence in recent years. In 2024, the two faced each other twice: Alcaraz claimed victory at Wimbledon, marking his second consecutive win over Djokovic, while the Serbian exacted revenge later in the year, defeating Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics en route to securing his first Olympic gold medal.
The match in Melbourne showcased both players’ competitive spirit and ability to captivate fans, with moments of brilliance, humor, and resilience defining the encounter.