Australian Open 2025 QF - [7] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v/s [3] Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (SPN)

Win Prediction Poll


  • Total voters
    116
  • Poll closed .
I don’t think Alcaraz has mentally recovered from the “injury” at the end of the first set. He thought that his opponent was injured, he was up a set and cruising into the next round.

Coaches need to prepare their players for Djokovic. If he acts injured you know that first he will get super aggressive and then next thing you know he will start running around like a supercharged rabbit.
 
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chjtennis

G.O.A.T.
Djokovic was forced to try the risky tactic of standing closer to the baseline and taking the ball early, and that actually turned out to be the winning formula against Alcaraz. Djokovic is using the heavy topspin of Alcaraz to his advantage now.
 

mike danny

Bionic Poster
I don’t think Alcaraz has mentally recovered from the “injury” at the end of the first set. He thought that his opponent was injured, he was up a set and cruising into the next round.

Coaches need to prepare their players for Djokovic. If he acts injured you know that first he will get super aggressive and then next thing you know he will start running around like a supercharged rabbit.
This is the 2nd time he fell for it. Seems to never learn
 

ibbi

G.O.A.T.
Alcaraz has a mental block against Novak.
He doesn't have a mental block. He's just not as good as him. He's 21 years old, for all his gifts he doesn't have anything like the smarts, or the experience in these situations that Djokovic does, who has played more matches like this than Alcaraz has got years on this planet. When you can limit your physical decline the way Djokovic has, you get the most out of that experience. You see the same thing from Monfils right now, who is maybe half the player Djokovic is.
 
He is 21 years old and holds four slams, and beat Djokovic in two Wimbledon finals.

He is going for a freaking career slam at only 21 years of age.

What exactly is so pathetic? That he is not whooping Djokovic on a court that Djokovic has been the undisputed GOAT on?
Yes.
 

weakera

Talk Tennis Guru
Can the doped up carrot SAVE tennis!? Incredible that we are even asking that question in... checks notes... 2025 :eek:
 

mike danny

Bionic Poster
He is 21 years old and holds four slams, and beat Djokovic in two Wimbledon finals.

He is going for a freaking career slam at only 21 years of age.

What exactly is so pathetic? That he is not whooping Djokovic on a court that Djokovic has been the undisputed GOAT on?
He is 38 years old and Carl is 22. We need to stop sugarcoating these guys.
 

Rovesciarete

Hall of Fame
Djokovic was forced to try the risky tactic of standing closer to the baseline and taking the ball early, and that actually turned out to be the winning formula against Alcaraz. Djokovic is using the heavy topspin of Alcaraz to his advantage now.

What Sinner used to do and Humbert in Paris. You have to spoil the magnificent attacking game of Carlos by anticipating and pressuring.

One of the greatest second serve days I have seen from Djokovic. Alcaraz can still win though if he wakes up and adjust his tactics a bit. Should rely more on his legs and less on his strokes for coming back.
 

Terenigma

G.O.A.T.
This is the 2nd time he fell for it. Seems to never learn

I think it works so often is because it's human nature to see someone struggling and have an involuntary responce to lower your guard and help them. Even if you're aware it could be a trap, its hard to tell your body to stay at the same level.
 

Matheson

Semi-Pro
Well there's your proof the automated line umpire is wrong. The close call had the ball well within the line, partially touching court.

The slow mo replay had the ball skimming the OUTSIDE of the line.
 

tudwell

G.O.A.T.
I don’t think Alcaraz has mentally recovered from the “injury” at the end of the first set. He thought that his opponent was injured, he was up a set and cruising into the next round.

Coaches need to prepare their players for Djokovic. If he acts injured you know that first he will get super aggressive and then next thing you know he will start running around like a supercharged rabbit.
After Cincy, I don’t know how he could fall for that again. (I’m not doubting Djokovic felt something in the moment but clearly it wasn’t very serious.)
 
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