Novak Djokovic delivered another masterclass at the 2025 Australian Open, defeating Czech rising star Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4), to secure his place in the quarterfinals. The victory marks Djokovic’s 15th trip to the last eight in Melbourne, equaling Roger Federer’s record at the tournament.
However, the triumph wasn’t without drama, as Djokovic skipped the traditional on-court interview in protest against Channel 9, the official broadcaster, following comments made by their journalist Tony Jones.
A Familiar Path to Victory
Djokovic was clinical in the first two sets, exploiting Lehecka’s unforced errors to gain a comfortable advantage. The Serbian legend controlled the tempo with his precise shot-making and impeccable defensive skills, conserving energy for the tougher battles ahead.
In the third set, Lehecka raised his level and played more freely, creating opportunities to extend the match. Djokovic, however, remained unflappable, navigating a tense tiebreak to seal the win.
Drama Off the Court
Post-match, Djokovic stunned fans by declining the usual on-court interview with Jim Courier. The decision stemmed from comments made by Channel 9’s Tony Jones earlier in the week, where he mocked Serbian fans and Djokovic himself during a live broadcast.
Addressing the situation in his press conference, Djokovic said:
“Tony Jones disrespected my fans and me. Since Channel 9 did not issue an apology, I decided not to participate in their on-court interview. This decision was not directed at Jim Courier or the Australian public.”
A Quarterfinal for the Ages
Djokovic’s next opponent is none other than Carlos Alcaraz, the current world No. 2 and a player who has quickly become one of the sport’s brightest stars. Their quarterfinal clash is one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament.
The last time these two titans met was in the 2024 Paris Olympics final, where Djokovic achieved a career-defining victory to claim his first Olympic gold medal. With their head-to-head record standing at 4-3 in Djokovic’s favor, the stakes are sky-high for their Melbourne encounter.
Djokovic Equals Federer
With this win, Djokovic ties Federer’s record of 15 Australian Open quarterfinal appearances, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. The 37-year-old, who already holds the record for the most Australian Open titles (10), will aim to continue his dominance at Melbourne Park.
Looking Ahead
The Djokovic-Alcaraz quarterfinal is scheduled for Tuesday and promises to be a thrilling contest of skill, mental fortitude, and legacy. Djokovic will aim to silence critics and assert his dominance, while Alcaraz will look to solidify his place among the elite.