Carlos Alcaraz had his sights set on achieving his career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, but his dreams were dashed by an inspired Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic extended his winning record over Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-finals, which he won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Andy Roddick criticised Alcaraz after that defeat, when Djokovic lost in the semi-finals to Alexander Zverev, who then lost the final to Jannik Sinner.
At just 21, Alcaraz has already won Wimbledon twice, as well as the French Open and the US Open.
But once again she has failed to make it past the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, a stage she also reached in Melbourne last season.
Photograph by Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesCarlos Alcaraz says Novak Djokovic played “incredibly” in the Australian Open quarterfinals
Alcaraz now turns his attention to the Rotterdam Open, a tournament in which he debuts as the top favorite.
He spoke about that loss to Djokovic in his pre-tournament press conference, saying: “I really wanted to win the tournament and I felt I was capable of doing it, but Novak played an unbelievable match.
“Facing Novak in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. It was a pretty good match. I tried to take the positives from that match and now I will look forward.
Photograph by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz recovers from his cold in time for the Rotterdam Open
Djokovic produced a superb display to overcome Alcaraz, with the seventh seed coming from behind and actually overcoming an injury to emerge victorious.
But that injury proved too much to overcome in his semi-final against Zverev, and the Serb retired hurt after just one set.
He is now one of the few absentees for the next ATP Tour event, with Australian Open champion and defending Rotterdam Open champion Sinner also absent.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz was suffering from a cold after his time in Melbourne and has been practising with nose tape ahead of this week’s event.
Sharing details of his illness, the 21-year-old said: “I spent a few days at home after Australia but I caught a cold.
“I had a bit of a hard time at home. I was only able to train for two days and then I had to rest until my cold went away.
“But spending time at home, no matter if you are sick, it is always great to have your family there. It allows you to be mentally fresh, to travel again.”
