Novak Djokovic continues his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in a clash between two tennis generations.
Djokovic is arguably the sport's all-time greatest, playing in pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is at the forefront of a new wave of rising tennis stars. He is still only 21 years old, but he has already won Wimbledon twice, as well as the French Open and the US Open.
The Australian Open is the only major title outside of Alcaraz's collection and he is looking to end his career at a Grand Slam this year in Melbourne.
If he can pull it off, he would be the youngest player ever to achieve the feat.
This quarter-final will be held from 9.30 on Tuesday, which you can follow on the live blog at Sky Sports website and app.
Alcaraz won an unforgettable Wimbledon final against Djokovic in 2023, winning in a five-set thriller. The Spaniard dominated Djokovic and won the Wimbledon final again last year.
But Djokovic prevailed in their last meeting, when he beat Alcaraz at Roland Garros in an emotional Olympic final last summer to secure his first gold medal.
Djokovic plays with a point to prove at the Australian Open
Sky Sports Tennis commentator Jonathan Overend said this was a quarter-final “worthy of the final, worthy of every final, and yet they play in the final”.
“They've had so many big battles in the past, especially the Wimbledon final from two years ago, the Cincinnati final from that summer was pretty amazing as well and of course the 2024 Olympic final on clay at Roland Garros, which was in many people's eyes the match of last season,” Overend continued.
“It was an incredible level that these two achieved. The shot-making, the defensive ability, the movement of both of these guys – without a doubt – and the emotion at the end when Djokovic finished the Golden Slam in tears and Alcaraz in tears because he was so close to winning that gold medals for Spain.
“If we come close to repeating the standard of tennis that day in this match, then we're in for a treat in Melbourne.”
'I know my weapon'
Alcaraz crushed the outstanding Djokovic to retain his title at Wimbledon last summer
It will be the earliest stage where they have crossed in a large part.
“This is not the right player to play in the quarterfinals, I guess,” Alcaraz said.
“Since I'm in the quarterfinals, I'll approach the match the same as in the previous matches against him, so let's see.
“I know my weapons. I know that I can play good tennis against him, that I can beat him.”
Djokovic said about Alcaraz: “He is a very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented and charismatic. He's great to look at, but not so great against.
“I expect a big fight, as is the case in most of our matches when we met.”
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Djokovic says he is enjoying his new rivalry with Alcaraz and hopes it will continue for many years to come…
Murray vs Ferrero: Battle of the coaches
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A look at every Masters final on the ATP Tour between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has a new source of guidance for this competition, as he has hired retired superstar Andy Murray as his new coach.
Alcaraz's coach is Juan Carlos Ferrero, another former world No. 1.
I Sky Sports Tennis' Overend said: “Murray actually beat Ferrer three times and all in 2009, including Wimbledon that year.
“Two very astute readers of the game and we know Ferrero has worked well with Alcaraz over the years, but we're already seeing Murray's influence on Djokovic.
“The potential for this great short-term coaching arrangement is there for all to see and Murray will absolutely relish the opportunity to engineer Alcaraz's downfall. I guess the big question is whether he's trying to tinker with something special.
“What Murray could bring is a few subtle tweaks, potentially in Djokovic's counter-attacking game.”
“We know how good he is, but could he see a few gaps in Alcaraz's back line to try to take the initiative in the rally and prevent the Spaniard from taking the top spot.”
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Murray joked that he hoped to sabotage Djokovic's chances of winning another Australian Open
Alcaraz serves
Carlos Alcaraz aims to win his first Australian Open title
The Spaniard is 16 years younger than Djokovic, so age is on his side, but last season his game was a bit erratic and he is in the process of rebuilding his serve.
“This is the first time they've met since Alcaraz adjusted his serve,” Overend said.
“We've already seen an increase in speed, an increase in power, the changes they made in the off-season are quite noticeable in action. Any jerk we've seen from Carlos before is gone, it's a lot smoother, he seems to be able to generate that 'pop' with it.
“It all seems to fit him, but will it be as effective? That slight increase in potency against the biggest returner, against Djokovic.
“I think Djokovic is too good a returner for that to make any difference.”
Djokovic wins a record 25th Grand Slam?
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Sky Sports tennis pundit Jonathan Overend talks about Djokovic's decision to bring Murray into his team
“I believe Djokovic has got it in him to win and logic suggests his best chance is this next chance at the Australian Open, and then you add the element of Andy Murray and his coaching angle,” he said. Sky Sports tennis Overend.
“This is an opportunity for Djokovic to break the record. He is still three matches away from that.
“Potentially he's going to have to beat Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Yannik Sinner in back-to-back matches, which will be extremely difficult, but since he's been going from the start and had that moment where he made 25 grand slams and who knows? He might even retire on the spot if he wins the trophy.
“I will have to look for Djokovic to repeat his success in Paris and beat Alcaraz once again.”
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