Martina Navratilova Reveals How Alex de Minaur Can Disrupt Carlos Alcaraz In AO QF

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 09:25 IST

Martina Navratilova suggests Alex de Minaur use drop shots to unsettle Carlos Alcaraz in their Australian Open quarterfinal clash in Melbourne.

Alex de Minaur will face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Tuesday (Picture credit: AP)

18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova has said that Alex de Minaur can try out drop shots to unsettle Carlos Alcaraz in their Australian Open quarterfinal encounter, adding that de Minaur will need to beat the latter at his own game to have any chance of making the top four.

De Minaur is the fastest player in men’s tennis, using his exceptional footspeed to power his all-court counterpunching game. However, he does not possess the same explosive shot-making that Alcaraz wields in abundance.

Speaking on Tennis Channel ahead of the clash, Navratilova lauded Alcaraz’s ability to generate tremendous power even on the move. She noted that de Minaur’s chances of upsetting Alcaraz are slim and would depend on Alcaraz not playing at his peak.

“Alcaraz has such amazing offence and fantastic defence, but he chooses to play offence, but can defend as well, it’s hard to find openings. And he comes up with the bigger shots," Navratilova said.

“He (Alcaraz) hits the cover off the ball and then he hits it another 10 mph harder on the run. The strength that the guy produces on a full stretch is amazing. So, Alex has a shot at it, but Carlos needs to be off his game," Navratilova added.

The former star suggested that de Minaur use drop shots to disrupt Alcaraz’s rhythm and keep him off balance.

“Drop shots. Carlos does not like to be drop-shotted. He likes to be the one hitting them. Alex can do that and make him uncomfortable because the next shot you are uncomfortable at the net after the drop shot, that is one way to break up the rhythm because he isn’t going to outhit him," Navratilova said.

News sports tennis Martina Navratilova Reveals How Alex de Minaur Can Disrupt Carlos Alcaraz In AO QF

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