Carlos Alcaraz Keeps Grounded On Career Grand Slam Bid Ahead Of Djokovic Clash At Australian Open - UBITENNIS

Carlos Alcaraz Keeps Grounded On Career Grand Slam Bid Ahead Of Djokovic Clash At Australian Open

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Carlos Alcaraz - Austalian Open 2025 (foto X @ATPTour_ES)

Carlos Alcaraz says he is taking his Australian Open bid one match at a time as he closes in on becoming the youngest man in history to achieve a career Grand Slam.

The Spanish world No.3 is the reigning Wimbledon (which he also won in 2023) and French Open champion. He claimed his first major title in 2022 at the US Open. The only trophy missing in Alcaraz’s collection is Melbourne Park which is the tournament where he made his Grand Slam main draw debut in 2021.

“Obviously I’m one step closer (to a career Grand Slam) but what I’ve learned in the previous Grand Slams that I’ve played is to go day-by-day,” Alcaraz said following his fourth round win over Jack Draper.

“A Grand Slam can be so long if you’re thinking about what’s next or about the future.

“I just want to think about the present day, just trying to feel as good as I can every day, respecting every round, every player. That’s it.

“I think that helps a lot to show your best tennis in every match, just thinking about the present and giving the hundred percent of yourself.”

Alcaraz has set a new record at the Australian Open following his latest win over an injured draper. He is the youngest male player in the Open Era to reach the last eight of every major event on multiple occasions. He is currently on an eight-match winning streak against top 20 players at majors.

However, he faces a big test on Tuesday when he takes on 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in what will be a blockbuster encounter. Djokovic, who is 16 years older than Alcaraz, has dropped only two sets in four matches played so far. His latest win was over Jiri Jehecka who he defeated 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).

“This is not the right player to play in a quarterfinal, I guess,” Alcaraz joked. 

“I think in a Grand Slam, from quarterfinals to the final, those players are the best in the world. If it wasn’t Djokovic in the quarterfinal, it could be another player who is at the top of the rankings. 

“But facing Novak, for me it’s not going to change anything if I’m playing him in quarterfinal or semifinal. Probably change a little bit if it was a final.

“Being in a quarterfinal, I’m going to approach the match the same as I did in the previous matches against him.”

Alcaraz has already played Djokovic seven times in the Tour, winning three of those encounters. He believes the key to winning is belief in his abilities and not thinking too much about who he is up against.

“If I think about everything he has done in tennis, I couldn’t play him. I mean, 24 Grand Slam, 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 think that I’m able to beat him,” he explained. 

“I know my weapons. I know that I’m able to play good tennis against him, I’m able to beat him. That’s all I’m thinking when I’m facing him.”

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