Djokovic-Alcaraz Blockbuster Next

Serbia's record 10-time winner faces the young Spaniard who bids to complete a career Grand Slam in the quarter-finals

- HT Correspondent

MUMBAI: "Well, this is not the right player to play in a quarter-final, I guess."

Carlos Alcaraz was talking about his potential last-eight opponent even before that player had stepped on court for his fourth-round match at the Australian Open. Such was the air of inevitability.

Sure enough, Novak Djokovic held his end up, sweeping past 24th seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) and rushing off without giving an on-court interview in protest against comments made on air by a reporter of the official broadcaster Channel 9 (what's an Australian Open without some Djokovic controversy!). Alcaraz was also quick in booking his spot, Briton Jack Draper forced to retire due to a hip injury after going two sets down.

And so, the rematch of the Paris Olympics final is set for Tuesday. Except, it's come a lot sooner at Melbourne Park; mainly down to the 37-year-old Djokovic's dip in world ranking and seeding due to his selective tournament play.