New Delhi: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz moved to the quarter-finals at the Australian Open 2025 after UK’s Jack Draper was forced to withdraw from the 4th round clash between the two due to an injury in Melbourne on Sunday, January 19. Alcaraz was leading 7-5, 6-1 when a back issue saw Draper retire from the game midway and leave the court dejected.
The British number one staged a brilliant fight against a frustrated Alcaraz in the first set but eventually ran out of steam under the scorching sun in Melbourne to bow out of the contest. Third seed Alcaraz kept his bid for a Career Grand Slam on track with his victory against Draper as he qualified for his 10th Grand Slam quarter-final.
15th seed Draper sought treatment from his medical staff after the end of the first set before withdrawing from the clash at the end of the second set. With his exit from the tournament, Britain’s challenge in singles events at the Australian Open 2025 ended. Draper held his hands up to the crowd as a gesture of apology before leaving the court in what was a disappointing day for him in Melbourne.
Despite not being at his best, Alcaraz managed to sail through the quarter-finals but insisted it was not the way he wanted the game to finish. The 4-time Grand Slam champion said he was sad for Draper as he wished speedy recovery to the 23-year-old.
“It is not the way which I want to win,” Alcaraz said after the game.
“I’m happy to play another quarter-final here in Australia, but I am sad for Jack – he doesn’t deserve to be injured. I wish him a speedy recovery,” he added.
Alcaraz vs Djokovic in Australian Open quarter-finals?
Alcaraz could be up for his biggest test yet at the Australian Open after getting past Draper in the round of 16 as he could be up against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. Djokovic will take on Jiri Lehecka in his Round of 16 clash later on Sunday and if he manages to come out on top, the Serbian will set up a mouth-watering showdown with Alcaraz in the quarters.
Tomy Paul demolishes Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’to enter quarters
American star Tommy Paul stormed into the quarter-finals after earning a dominant victory against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his 4th-round clash on Sunday. Paul wrapped up a clinical victory in straight sets, dropping only one game each in all three sets as he thrashed Fokina 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 to end his dream run at the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz progressed to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open 2025 after Jack Draper had to abandon his 4th round clash against the Spaniard due to an injury on Sunday. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
