Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Carlos Alcaraz reached his second Australian Open quarter-final 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 will meet the winner of Novak Djokovic and Jiri Lehecka, who play in the evening session.
“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, Novak Djokovic is in action later against the talented Jiri Lehecka, while second seed Alexander Zverev takes on Ugo Humbert. Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka produced dominant displays too and remain on a collision course to meet in the semi-finals.
Follow all of the action from the Australian Open in our live blog below:
Jack Draper left to reflect on brutal Australian Open run
It was the 16th professional retirement of Jack Draper’s career and a third in Grand Slams alone.
The lack of pre-season work, which Carlos Alcaraz touched on, following aborted plans to join the Spaniard in a valuable camp, might have played a part.
That said, the length and intensity of his matches here were always going to leave him running on empty.
If the injured is not substantial, Draper should emerge stronger from this and with more insight into how to manage his runs at the biggest tournaments.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 07:09
Carlos Alcaraz, injury prove too much for brave Jack Draper



Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 07:01
Carlos Alcaraz sends Jack Draper touching message of support
Carlos Alcaraz, classy as ever, scribbles a touching note for Jack Draper on the lens of one of the Australian Open cameras…
He says: “You will be where you deserve, get well soon Jack!”
He then scribbles an upset face beneath his message. Let’s hope Draper can bounce back quickly here…
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:56
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to victory over Jack Draper
“I’m happy with the level of play, I’m comfortable on court in Australia, it’s really good, I feel great,” Alcaraz adds.
“The second week, it’s important to feel well physically, the matches are going to be even tougher.
“I’m ready, I’m doing great things off the court. I’m excited.”
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:50
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to victory over Jack Draper
“It’s not the way I wanted to win, I’m happy to play another quarter-final, I’m sorry for Jack, he’s a nice guy, he doesn’t deserve to get injured,” says Alcaraz.
“He prepared the start of the season well. We should have done a good week of pre-season, but because of an injury as well.
“I’m sad, but he’ll come back stronger, I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:44
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 1-6* Carlos Alcaraz – GAME, SET, MATCH
Alcaraz dispatches one final ace to take the set…
Draper drags his feet to his chair and surely enough is enough… Yes, this one is over, he’ll call it one, a wise move after such an effort over the last week.
You just hope the damage is minimal long-term, it’s a bright year ahead for the Briton.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who looked menacing, will be able to tackle a potential quarter-final with Novak Djokovic with a real freshness.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:41
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 1-5* Carlos Alcaraz
This is concerning now for Draper, is he doing himself more damage than it’s worth to get to the finish line?
Remember, he’s been on court for 12 hours and 44 minutes, Alcaraz only 6 hours and 10 minutes on court.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:37
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 1-4* Carlos Alcaraz
And Alcaraz is on a mission here, a routine hold.
32 minutes in this set, is he keen to motor home now and save some energy?
Draper is in a bad way too, a grimace on his face.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:32
Australian Open: Jack Draper *5-7, 1-3 Carlos Alcaraz
Is it the glute? Draper shuffling a little, maybe the collective toll of his five-set matches is proving too much now, alongside a formidable opponent.
But he shows some pride here, an ace, at 184km/h, shows a bit of fight. He’ll hope to at least complete this match, could that do more damage though?
This is astonishing, Alcaraz gathers what appears to be a superb drop shot from Draper and he gets there before the slide and finessed pass back across the court from where it came. Deuce.
Draper fighting! He wins the game with a towering backhand volley that has enough touch to see the ball die just before Alcaraz can gather again for another soul-destroying return.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:24
Australian Open: Jack Draper 5-7, 0-3* Carlos Alcaraz
That is majestic, the flared foot on the first serve as Alcaraz dishes an ace out wide to Draper’s backhand. Too good.
And then a different ace… This one hammered down the line. What a weapon and a new one at that for the Spaniard. Something he’ll be able to dial in over the coming years. 0-3.
Jack Rathborn19 January 2025 06:21