Alcaraz: Despite Djokovic defeat, ‘I’m lucky to live this experience’

Even as a four-time major champion and former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Carlos Alcaraz still recognises something different when Novak Djokovic is his opponent.

The Spaniard was in a philosophical mood after his four-set quarter-final defeat to his rival on Tuesday at the Australian Open. Alcaraz, who fell short in his bid to reach the semi-finals in Melbourne for the first time in four appearances, was nonetheless willing to acknowledge he had played a part in another thrilling clash against Djokovic.

“[We] play great, great matches every time that we play against each other,” said Alcaraz in his post-match press conference. “We push each other to the limit. I think we played great points, great rallies [today]. It was really tight in the third, in the fourth set. The whole match, I guess.

“I'm just lucky to live this experience. I'm 21 years old. From these matches, I'm getting so much experience about how to deal with everything. I'm not going to hide. I've done great things in tennis already but playing against one of the best in history of our sport, these kinds of matches help me a lot in the future to be better.”

Thank you for all the incredible moments Carlos, what a run ♥️#AO2025 | @carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/2TQvohtO1a

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 21, 2025

Alcaraz, who now trails Djokovic 3-5 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, took the first set as his opponent struggled with a leg injury. Yet he was unable to stop the Serbian producing a trademark comeback for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win inside Rod Laver Arena.

“When you are seeing someone that is struggling physically a little bit, it's kind of you not playing the same level. It seems like, ‘Okay, it's going to be easier’," said Alcaraz. "At the same time in your mind you're thinking, ‘Okay, I have to not make mistakes’. Probably you're not hitting the ball the same way that you're hitting before. I think that's it.

“I think he did great, great hits, great shots. He started to play more aggressively, tried not to move so much in the second set. He made few of [his shots], which helped him stay up in the set. That's it. After that, it was really difficult to overcome that.”

Regardless of how Djokovic grew into the match, Alcaraz was keen to focus on his own lapses in concentration. The Spaniard made 40 unforced errors in the match compared to just 27 from Djokovic, according to Infosys Stats, numbers which reflect his belief that his fate remained in his own hands throughout.

“Honestly I felt like I was controlling the match, and I let him get into the match again,” reflected Alcaraz, who was bidding to become the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam in Melbourne. “I'm going to say that was the biggest mistake that I made today.

“In the second set I had to play a little bit better just to push him even more to the limit. He had issues just moving a little bit in the second set. I had to push him a little bit more just to the limit, and I didn't. I didn't do it. After that, I think he started to feel better and play such a great level. That was my biggest mistake today.

“But obviously when Novak is at this level, it's really difficult. I think I had my chances. It was a really close match. I think most of the crucial points, they went to his side. When Novak is playing at this level, it's really difficult to find the way.”