John McEnroe says Novak Djokovic's sights solely on Grand Slam title record - 'I don't think he cares how he does it'

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John McEnroe believes chasing Grand Slam number 25 is what is fuelling Novak Djokovic in the latter stages of his career, as the Serbian great made it through to another Australian Open quarter-final. But while this might be the Slam where Djokovic has had the most success, the task facing him as he chases that record-breaking 25th major does not get any easier, with Carlos Alcaraz up next.

'He wants to get to 25' - McEnroe on Djokovic setting records and facing Alcaraz

Video credit: TNT Sports

Novak Djokovic’s quest to finally hold the all-out record for the most Grand Slam singles titles at 25 continues in Melbourne, as he beat Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) to advance to the quarter-finals.

But his draw is about to get an awful lot tougher, with Carlos Alcaraz next up for the experienced Serbian in a blockbuster showdown - as the 37-year-old looks to make history by surpassing Margaret Court's tally of major titles.

Djokovic and Alcaraz have met a number of times, with the Spanish youngster recording two famous wins in Wimbledon finals to lift the trophy, while Djokovic memorably finally got his hands on that elusive Olympic gold medal by beating the Spaniard in Paris last summer.

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But Eurosport expert John McEnroe believes that Djokovic is far more motivated by records nowadays than he is by personal rivalries.

"What he wants is to get to 25, I don't think he cares how he does it," McEnroe said.

"If he knew he was going to win the tournament, of course he’d rather play Alcaraz and get a piece of him and then beat [Jannik] Sinner in the final, the best of the best.

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"But at this point, it’s not like he hasn’t proven he can beat the best, and done it a bunch of times. He's just trying to set records that won’t be surpassed. He’s awfully close already, if not there.

"I don't see how any male players are going to break his records for a long time."

Calling Djokovic’s achievements "truly exceptional with a capital E," McEnroe was not surprised to see the Serbian advance in Melbourne - and nor was his next opponent, Alcaraz.

But with four majors already to his name as he seeks to become the youngest player to win a career Grand Slam, Alcaraz was clear on what he has to do not to be overawed by his opponent.

"If I think about everything he has done in tennis, I couldn't play. I mean, 24 Grand Slam, the most weeks at No. 1, everything," Alcaraz told a press conference.

"He almost broke every record in tennis. I'm trying not to think about that when I'm in the match. I'm just trying that I'm able to beat him.

'This one is his tournament' - Alcaraz gives Eurosport his views on facing Djokovic

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I know my weapons. I know that I'm able to play good tennis against him, I'm able to beat him. That's all I'm thinking when I'm facing him."

Much of the focus this tournament has been on Andy Murray in Djokovic’s coaching box, the duo in very different places despite being just one month apart in age. But as Gael Monfils has shown, age really is just a number in tennis.

"I think he's the player who has the most quarter-finals in a Grand Slam in history, if I'm not wrong," Alcaraz continued.

"When we are seeing him playing, he seems like he's young again, so... It's unbelievable. He's in really good shape."

Watch and stream the 2025 Australian Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

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