Serena Williams' ex-coach stunned by Novak Djokovic's performance against Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open QF

The quarter-final clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 Australian Open delivered everything fans expected — intensity, drama, and a display of pure tennis brilliance. The 21-year-old Spaniard started strong, securing the first set 6-4.

At one point, Alcaraz led 5-4 in the first set, when Djokovic had to take a medical timeout for cramping. However, what followed was a testament to the Serbian legend's resilience and tactical mastery.

Djokovic, showing no signs of slowing down at 37, staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next three sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. His movement, precision, and shot selection left fans and experts in awe, including Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams' former coach.

Mouratoglou took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his astonishment, tweeting:

"Novak is playing table tennis right now."

The comment perfectly summarised Djokovic’s unreal shot-making and ability to dictate points as if he were playing a different sport altogether. His anticipation, control, and quick reflexes allowed him to control Alcaraz’s aggressive play and turn the match in his favor.

Mouratoglou further commented on Djokovic’s dominance with another bold statement:

"Novak’s return is the best of all times. Period."

WIth the win, the Serb is only two wins away from grabbing a 25th Grand Slam title, which would make him the player with the most Grand Slam titles in the history of tennis.

Novak Djokovic reached his 50th Grand Slam semi final

Alexander Zverev(red) and Novak Djokovic at 2025 Australian Open pre match - Source: Getty

The 24-Grand Slam champion is on yet another title hunt by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter final of the 2025 Australian Open. With this victory, Djokovic will make his 50th Grand Slam semifinal appearance, the most by anyone.

In particular, this is his 12th Australian Open semifinal. The only loss he faced in the last-four of the Australian Open was last year, when Jannik Sinner defeated him in four sets.

The Serbian is set up to play against World No. 2 Alexander Zverev next in Melbourne. They both have played 12 times against each other, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head 8-4 at the moment.

The 10-time Australian Open Champion is eyeing his 11th title Down Under this week, which will take his singles career ATP title tally to 100. Meanwhile, the other half of the draw has World No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner as the favorite to reach the final.