With the memory of their showdown at the Paris Olympics final still fresh, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are gearing up for another chapter in their rivalry. This time, the clash takes place in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, marking their first encounter on a hard court in a Grand Slam. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Tuesday night at the Rod Laver Arena, a duel widely regarded as a final preview.

What's at stake?

The Serbian, seeded seventh and a ten-time champion in Melbourne, faces a Carlos Alcaraz determined to conquer the only Grand Slam missing from his collection. For the Spaniard, this duel is a monumental challenge: defeating the most decorated player in tennis history, who remains a dominant figure at 37 years old. Djokovic enters the tournament with nearly all victories in 2025, except for a loss in Brisbane to American Reilly Opelka.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz has had a smoother journey at the Australian Open, spending less time on court and facing relatively easier matches. However, the Spaniard acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge: "If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best," Alcaraz confidently stated in a press conference, emphasizing his readiness for this clash of titans.

A growing rivalry

The head-to-head record between the two players is close, with a 4-3 advantage for Djokovic. While Alcaraz has excelled on clay and grass, with notable victories at Wimbledon and the Madrid Masters 1000, the Serbian’s success on hard courts, including the ATP Finals and Cincinnati, gives him an edge on this surface.

"He's an incredibly dynamic and explosive player," said Djokovic about the Spaniard. "Our matches have an intensity that reminds me of my duels with Rafael Nadal. I'm expecting a great battle."

Experience vs. Youth

With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic remains a formidable opponent for the new generation. At 37 years old, the Serbian aims to extend his legacy, tying Roger Federer's record for quarterfinal appearances at the Australian Open. In contrast, the 20-year-old Alcaraz leads the charge for the next wave of talent in world tennis and seeks to solidify his status as the greatest threat to the Serbian's reign.

The winner of this highly anticipated matchup will emerge as the favorite to claim the title, in a tournament marked by fierce competition and high-stakes showdowns.

Previous Djokovic-Alcaraz matchups:

• 2022: Masters 1000 Madrid (clay) – Alcaraz won 6-7, 7-5, 7-6
• 2023: Roland Garros (clay) – Djokovic won 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1
• 2023: Wimbledon (grass) – Alcaraz won 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
• 2023: Masters 1000 Cincinnati (hard) – Djokovic won 5-7, 7-6, 7-6
• 2023: ATP Finals (hard) – Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2
• 2024: Wimbledon (grass) – Alcaraz won 6-2, 6-2, 7-6
• 2024: Paris Olympics (clay) – Djokovic won 7-6(3), 7-6(2)

Tuesday’s showdown promises to be one of the tournament's most intense matches, with the Australian crowd eager to witness another epic battle between these two tennis greats.