Alcaraz opens up on managing his emotions at Grand Slams: “I learned to save energy”

After losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2025 Australian Open quarter-finals, the Spaniard suggested he prefers staying calm in the bigger matches

Julien Nouet / Tennis Majors

Ayush Vashistha

January 22, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz suffered a disappointing loss to 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Australian Open on Tuesday (January 21). The Spaniard started as a favourite against the 37-year-old Djokovic and took the opening set.

However, the Serb rose to the occasion amid thunderous support from his fans at Rod Laver Arena and crossed the finish line, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 after three hours, 35 minutes of breath-taking tennis. With the win, he extended his head-to-head lead to 5-3 against the Spaniard.

Away from the on-court business, many echoed a common sentiment that Alcaraz, otherwise known for his flamboyance, opted for subdued celebrations in his moments of smaller triumphs during the battle.

Carlos Alcaraz wins an EXHAUSTING rally against Novak Djokovic at Australian Open

Both immediately kneel over to catch their breath.

This the epitome of sport at its finest.

2 elite athletes demanding the absolute most of each other.

Unreal stuff🤯

pic.twitter.com/t7WUhb6Scp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 21, 2025

Thus, Alcaraz faced a question on the same during his post-match presser at Melbourne Park. In his response, it emerged that the four-time Grand Slam champion has made a conscious decision to conserve his energy in the bigger matches.

“Probably I could do it, but something that I learn playing the Grand Slam is I have to save energy,” the 21-year-old said. “There have been some moments, some matches that I didn’t save energy, pumping myself, playing with the crowd, screaming ‘Vamos’ every time I’m 100%. At the end in the third and the fourth set probably I struggled physically because of that.

“So I learned to save energy during the match, especially these kind of matches which is really physically demanding. I don’t know. I’m going to say I think I did great, but probably I could do it a little bit more in specific moments. In general, I’m going to say that in Grand Slam I prefer to be, like, calmer.”