Carlos Alcaraz had his sights set on achieving the 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 their Australian Open quarter-final, which he won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Andy Roddick criticised Alcaraz after that defeat, with Djokovic losing in the semi-finals to Alexander Zverev, who then lost the final to Jannik Sinner.

Aged just 21, Alcaraz has already won Wimbledon twice, having also won the French Open and the US Open.

But he has once again failed to make it beyond the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, a stage he also reached in Melbourne last season.

Carlos Alcaraz says Novak Djokovic played ‘unbelievable’ in Australian Open quarter-final

Alcaraz now turns his attention to the Rotterdam Open, where he is the top seed on his tournament debut.

He discussed that loss to Djokovic in his pre-tournament press conference, saying: “I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match.

READ MORE: Rotterdam Open 2025: How to watch, predictions, prize money, dates and everything you need to know

“Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing. It was a pretty good match. I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now.”

Carlos Alcaraz recovers from cold in time for Rotterdam Open

Djokovic did produce a superb display to overcome Alcaraz, where the seventh seed came from behind and indeed overcame injury to come out on top.

But that injury proved too much to overcome in his semi-final with Zverev, with the Serbian retiring hurt after just one set.

READ MORE: What Carlos Alcaraz said was ‘confusing’ about his US Open loss to Botic van de Zandschulp ahead of their rematch this week

He is now one of a handful of casualties for the next tournament on the ATP Tour, with Australian Open champion and Rotterdam Open defending champion Sinner also absent.

Alcaraz meanwhile 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 got a cold.

“I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better.

“But spending time at home, it doesn’t matter if you are sick, it is always great, having your family there. It allows you to be fresh mentally, to travel again.”