Carlos Alcaraz greatly respects Novak Djokovic but did not hide his confidence before their highly-anticipated Australian Open quarterfinal.
Both men confirmed the matchup millions of tennis fans wanted to see when the draw was made by progressing to the quarterfinal on Sunday. Jack Draper, who played three five-set matches to reach the fourth round, retired after the second set against Alcaraz.
Djokovic produced another impressive performance to defeat Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. However, more attention was generated by the Serbian refusing to do a post-match interview after a Channel 9 presenter mocked him and his fans.
Alcaraz and Djokovic's quarterfinal battle at the Australian Open on Tuesday will be their first since the 37-year-old defeated his younger rival 7-6, 7-6 in the Olympic gold medal match after an outstanding serving performance.
In a press conference after the match with Draper, Alcaraz was asked how much playing against Djokovic, the most statistically successful tennis player ever, will affect his legacy once he has retired.
The 21-year-old honestly answered that he tries not to think about Djokovic's achievements when he faces him because it would be impossible to effectively compete if that was on his mind when they are battling on the most significant stages.
"I'm trying not to think about that. If I think about everything he has done in tennis, I couldn't play. I mean, 24 Grand Slams, the most weeks at No. 1. He broke almost every record in tennis. I'm trying not to think about in that match."
While Alcaraz is aware of how good Djokovic is, the four-time Grand Slam champion will not be intimidated when he steps onto the court and knows he has a game that is capable of beating the ten-time Australian Open champion.
"I'm able to beat him. I know my weapons. I know that I'm able to play good tennis against him, that I'm able to beat him. That's what all the players, or the best players, think when they are facing Novak. On playing and believing in themselves."
There is nothing arrogant or disrespectful about Alcaraz's words. The Spaniard has spoken multiple times about his respect for Djokovic. Believing in his ability and not feeling beaten before the match begins is healthy.
Alcaraz also has a track record to back up his words. He defeated Djokovic in the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals, twice stopping the seven-time champion at SW19 from equaling Roger Federer's record of eight titles.
The rivalry between Alcaraz and Djokovic is also notable for the pair's friendly relationship off the court. That contrasts with the tension that used to exist between Djokovic and his former great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the early stages of his career.
However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion did send Alcaraz a warning in a recent GQ interview. The young star often talks about creating history, but Djokovic thinks it is too early for him to discuss that.
While Djokovic's advice is understandable, it might be hard for Alcaraz not to think about history because he will become the youngest man ever to achieve the Calendar Grand Slam if he wins the Australian Open.