Djokovic v Lehecka LIVE: Australian Open 2025 results and reaction as beaten-up Draper retires vs Alcaraz
British No 1 Draper was left hobbled after a brutal run to the last 16 and called time after two sets against the classy Alcaraz, who now meets Djokovic in the quarter-finals
Carlos Alcaraz set up a mouthwatering Australian Open quarter-final against Novak Djokovic on Sunday when his opponent Jack Draper retired injured when trailing 7-5 6-1.
Spaniard Alcaraz was well on top in the afternoon match at Rod Laver Arena against the Briton, who took a lengthy time-out between the sets.
The four-times Grand Slam champion now faces a rematch from last year’s Wimbledon and Paris Olympics finals after the Serbian brushed aside Jiri Lehecka.
"This is not the way that I want to get through to the next round. I'm just happy to play another quarter-final here in Australia," Alcaraz said on court. "But really sorry for Jack. He doesn't deserve to get injured. He couldn't prepare the start of the season well."
Elsewhere, second seed Alexander Zverev had too much for Ugo Humbert and, earlier, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka produced dominant displays and remain on a collision course to meet in the semi-finals.
Follow all of the latest news and reaction from the Australian Open in our live blog below:
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-5 Carlos Alcaraz
Time spent on court at Australian Open 2025
Alcaraz: 6h 17m
Draper: 12h 41m
A tense game here, Draper must hold to extend this set and he captures an ace at 30-30, measured and swinging away from the Alcaraz backhand. And he holds, 5-5, this fascinating first set takes a turn.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
“It’s crazy,” Alcaraz says, visibly upset and remonstrating with the umpire. Towel gate again?
He’s rattled here after being warned over the time taken to serve.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 3-5* Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz is 54-1 at Grand Slams when he takes the first set... Not exactly promising for Draper as he attempts to break to stay in the first set... And that defeat after going ahead 1-0 was against Mikael Ymer four years ago in Melbourne in the second round. A different beast entirely now, of course.
Magnificent disguise on the drop shot from Alcaraz, that shot still so potent in his arsenal. But a rushed forehand gives Draper break-back point... 30-40.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz not willing to waste any time waiting to serve it out himself, attacking Draper’s serve and dictating the points, sending Draper on a run and then putting the ball in the other half of the court.
But Draper has discovered an extra zip to that serve, can he pair it with the flattened out forehand? Game point, though, and didn’t he pick up two backhands superbly to stay in that rally? THEN, the whipped forehand, scrambling, rockets cross court and flashes past Alcaraz to hold. 3-5.
AND BREAK BACK HE DOES! *4-5. ASTONISHING.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-5* Carlos Alcaraz
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-5* Carlos Alcaraz
In-to-out forehand, and Alcaraz is now ALIVE!
An ace, too, and this version of the Spaniard is now imposing himself on Draper. Already at 40-0, Draper must compose himself here, he battled so hard to stay level after four games, now the set is getting away from him.
Maybe that’s the spark? Reaching out wide of the lines, a forehand pass gives Draper hope. And another breathtaking winner from the return, a backhand cross court leaves Alcaraz rather puzzled. 40-30. But he’ll dispatch the next point at the net, game and Draper serving to stay in the set.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *2-4 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz now dancing into the net and the volley is crisp despite Draper’s thumping backhand.
Break points coming... And a second serve from Draper to come too. And Draper cracks, a backhand dug out fro beneath his feet, then he sprays a forehand wide. The Spaniard seizes an early advantage in this match.
Australian Open: Jack Draper 2-3* Carlos Alcaraz
Now then, a rather unsettled Alcaraz, double fault and hope for Draper, can he snatch this break point? NO! The forehand goes long, a scrappy, rushed return lets the Spaniard off the hook.
A gruelling rally follows and a surprise Alcaraz forehand is pushed down the middle as Draper gambled on the run, advantage Alcaraz but that’s a chance!
It’s already set for a bruising encounter, Alcaraz survives and leads, 2-3.
Australian Open: Jack Draper *2-2 Carlos Alcaraz
The conditions in Melbourne will play a part today, it’s hot and humid. That hurts Draper’s chances after his marathon run to this point and being handed a daytime slot despite finishing his third round at almost 1am local time.
Draper’s rhythm isn’t there yet and Alcaraz grabs a hold here, 0-30. But that’s a beautiful first serve, curling away from the Alcaraz backhand, 15-30.
Alcaraz meeting the ball high and early but a second break point escapes him, Draper back at deuce and then crushes an ace, he’s back in business! And a forehand winner, another impressive hold, two more break points saved. A confidence booster for the Briton.