Australian Open | Djokovic joins Alcaraz in quarters

(Melbourne) Novak Djokovic (7^e) quietly reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, where he will face world No.3 Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday in Melbourne, also qualified on Sunday as did Alexander Zverev (2^e).

Ten-time winner at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic did not tremble. Facing the Czech Jiri Lehecka (29^e), the Serb won 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), and reached for the 15^e quarter-finals in Australia, a record he shares with Swiss Roger Federer.

Djokovic nevertheless surprised the audience by leaving the court without giving the traditional post-match interview. At a press conference, he justified his exit by “insulting comments” from a journalist employed by the official broadcaster of the tournament.

Since Friday evening, a video showing Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones mocking Novak Djokovic supporters has been circulating on social media. “Given that Channel 9 is the official broadcaster” of the Australian Open, the former world No.1 decided not to give them any more interviews until the channel apologizes.

The world No.7 will meet Carlos Alcaraz (3rd) on Tuesday^e) for the poster for the quarter-finals in Melbourne, awaited since the draw.

Earlier in Rod Laver Arena, Alcaraz won the first two sets against Jack Draper (18^e) before the Briton gave up.

Present in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the second year in a row, Alcaraz hopes to go “further” this year and win the only Grand Slam title he is missing.

The winner of the Djokovic-Alcaraz duel could meet Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.

The world No.2 defeated Frenchman Ugo Humbert 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 (14^e), beaten for the third time in his career in the round of 16 of a Major.

In search of his first Grand Slam title at 27, the German will face the American Tommy Paul (11^e), easy winner of Alejandro Davidovich (66^e) 6-1, 6-1, 6-1.

“It is close to top 10. He is very different from the last times I faced him,” Zverev underlined about his future opponent with whom he has already trained.

“He is a very intelligent player, capable of changing tactics. He can do anything on a tennis court. I expect a very difficult battle,” he warned.