3 reasons why Novak Djokovic could beat Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open 2025

One of the most high-profile clashes at the 2025 Australian Open is set for January 21. Seventh-seed and 10-time champion Novak Djokovic will face third-seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal.

This particular head-to-head is a highly billed rivalry in modern men's tennis. This Australian Open holds significance for both men. The Serb is aiming to cement his legacy with a 25th Major, whereas the Spaniard will be aiming to overcome Rafael Nadal's record of winning a Career Grand slam at the age of 24.

Let us look at some of the reasons why the veteran Djokovic might trump the young rival in the upcoming match.

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#3 Djokovic has the advantage in the head-to-head against Alcaraz

In Picture: Carlos Alcaraz (L) and Novak Djokovic (R) at the 2023 Cincinnati Open (Getty)

In this newly budding rivalry, Djokovic has a 4-3 lead over Alcaraz in the head-to-head. The Serb has a 2-0 record against the Spaniard on hard courts and a 2-1 lead on clay courts. Meanwhile, Alcaraz has won both his encounters on grass against Djokovic.

On hard courts, Djokovic played the young Spaniard in the semifinals of the ATP Finals in 2023. It was a dominant win for the Serb as he won 6-3, 6-2. The other two players met on the hard court at the 2023 Cincinnati Open final, which was a classic. Djokovic saved match points and won a thrilling three-hour contest 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4).

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#2 Novak Djokovic has a superior record at the Australian Open

Barring the Major in Melbourne, Carlos Alcaraz has already bagged all the other three majors in his young career. However, the Spaniard's overall record at Melbourne Park is not that good; coming to the 2025 edition, he had a modest 7-3 record. His only quarterfinal run came in 2024, where he lost to Alexander Zverev in four sets.

Novak Djokovic's record at the Rod Laver Arena is unparalleled in the sport. The Serb has lifted the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup for a record 10 times. Of the 20 times the Serbian legend has taken part in the Australian Open, 2025 will be the 15th instance that he has reached at least the quarterfinal stage.

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#1 Having Andy Murray in his corner will help Djokovic in the match against Alcaraz

The Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray coaching team-up was one of the most astonishing news in the world of tennis last year. However, the Serb himself has admitted that he asked Murray to be his coach as the Brit was a longtime rival who knew the ins and outs of the Serb's game.

In recent years, the ability of Djokovic to play long matches has been questioned especially after his performances against the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner in the Majors last year. With Murray, behind him this year it can be expected that the Serb will get a fresh perspective on how to tackle his Spanish opponent who has a brilliant five-set record.