‘Novak Djokovic likes to be angry – he plays his best tennis when he’s angry’, says former world No 1
Pat Rafter has assessed that Novak Djokovic is in a “good headspace” ahead of his Australian Open quarter-final showdown with Carlos Alcaraz as he described the Serbian as “nice and angry.”
The two-time US Open winner argued Djokovic “plays his best tennis when he’s angry” as he previewed the blockbuster matchup and made a prediction.
Djokovic and Alcaraz will play for the eighth time on Tuesday, with the Serbian holding a 4-3 edge from their previous meetings.
Alcaraz holds a 2-1 edge in Grand Slam encounters, while Djokovic won the most recent encounter in the 2024 Olympic gold medal match. Djokovic has wo both of the pair’s prior matches on hard courts.
The quarter-final clash between the two stars was the most highly-anticipated potential matchup when the draw was made.
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Speaking to reporters in Melbourne, Rafter gave his thoughts
“I think Novak’s in a pretty good headspace, he’s nice and angry, he likes to be angry. He plays his best tennis when he’s angry, so he’s all fired up,” the former world No 1 said.
“Alcaraz, he’s the man, he’s so good. Can he keep it together and play great tennis? I mean, when he’s on, the whole crowd… I don’t think there’s a better player in the world. When he’s a bit flat, then sometimes things don’t go his way.
“This should be an unbelievable match. I can’t wait to watch it. I mean you’ve got one of, the greatest player of all time playing the up-and-comer.
“I don’t know [who will win]. Maybe Alcaraz, just because of past results and Novak hasn’t had the big wins like he normally has. So maybe Alcaraz. I hate making predictions about that.”
Djokovic, the No 7 seed, is chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown and 25th Grand Slam title overall. The 37-year-old defeated Nishesh Basavareddy, Jaime Faria and Jiri Lehecka en route to the last eight.
Alcaraz, the third seed, is bidding to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam having won the other three majors. The 21-year-old overcame Alexander Shevchenko, Yoshihito Nishioka, Nuno Borges and Jack Draper in his first four matches.
The winner of the match will play either Alexander Zverev or Tommy Paul in the semi-finals.
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