Australian Open: Djokovic expects 'big battle' against Nadal-like Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic is anticipating another "big battle" when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz, who he compared to Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic beat Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) on Sunday, teeing up a huge quarter-final tie with Alcaraz, who had earlier overcome the injured Jack Draper.

It will be the eighth meeting between the pair. Alcaraz has won three matches, including two Wimbledon finals, while the most recent of Djokovic's wins came in the Paris Olympics final.

And Djokovic is expecting a thriller, as he drew comparisons to his tussles with long-time rival Nadal, who retired last year.

"Well, I'm expecting a big battle, as it's the case in most of our matches where we faced each other," he said.

"Maybe just a couple of times it was quite one-sided. [In the] Wimbledon final last year, he was the dominant force on the court. I had a really good match against him in the ATP Tour Finals in 2023.

"Other than that, we had some long battles, long exchanges that I played against him.

"It reminds me of my matches versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court. He's a very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented, charismatic, great to watch - not that great to play against!

"I look forward to it. I think when the draw was out, a lot of the people were looking forward to a potential match in quarter-finals, Alcaraz versus me. So here we are. I think we both are hitting the ball pretty well.

"I like the way I'm playing and the way I'm feeling. I'm excited about that challenge."

20 - Novak Djokovic is one of the two players during the Open Era to reach the quarterfinal of at least one Grand Slam men’s singles event across 20 seasons along with Roger Federer (20). Longevity. #AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/oz8Piuaigl

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 19, 2025

Djokovic's meeting with Alcaraz will be his 61st quarter-final match at the majors, which is an Open Era record.

He is one of just two players during the Open Era to reach the quarter-finals of at least one grand slam in 20 seasons, along with Roger Federer (also 20).

Djokovic's win over Lehecka was somewhat overshadowed when he refused to do a post-match interview, instead briefly thanking the crowd before heading off court.

The 37-year-old explained he has been left angered by what he sees as disrespectful comments made by Tony Jones, a presenter on Nine Network, an Australian broadcaster.

"A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me," Djokovic said.

"He chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did [Nine Network]. So, since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give the interview."

Djokovic confirmed he would not be giving any on-court interviews until a public apology was issued.

The 24-time grand slam champion has been on the end of some fan heckles in his matches at Melbourne Park but insisted neither that, nor the comments from Jones, have added fuel to his desire to win an 11th Australian Open title.

"No, not particularly. I'm very determined already. This is not to fuel my fire more," he said.