Djokovic, Alcaraz set up blockbuster quarterfinal at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic charged into the Australian Open quarterfinals and booked a mouth-watering encounter with Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, before the Serbian shifted the focus by snubbing the Grand Slam's official broadcaster, slamming the network for mocking him and his fans.

A red-hot Djokovic thumped Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) to stay on course for a record 25th Grand Slam title and 11th in Melbourne, but the World No. 7 was in no mood to discuss his chances, as he declined an on-court interview and curtly thanked the crowd.

Djokovic then took aim at official broadcaster Channel Nine, whose reporter Tony Jones had mocked him and his fans when they were out in force rooting for the Serbian two days earlier.

"Novak, he's overrated, Novak's a has-been. Novak, kick him out. Oh, I'm glad they can't hear me," Jones had said.

The reporter had already been taken to task by American Danielle Collins, who he called a "brat" for her on-court behavior.

Djokovic said he had not received a public apology from the broadcaster, and will continue boycotting them until he does.

"Since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine," Djokovic told reporters, adding he had made his feelings clear to tournament director Craig Tiley. "I told him, 'If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that's okay.' I'll accept that, because this is something that needs to be done. That's all there is to it."

In a comment to news.com.au, Jones said: "It was good-natured banter with the Serbian fans. We've been doing it all tournament and it's all in good fun. This is the Happy Slam."

Spain's four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz was ahead 7-5, 6-1 in his match, when British opponent Jack Draper retired amid fierce afternoon sun on the court at Rod Laver Arena.

Second-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany made the quarterfinals as well, after defeating Ugo Humbert of France 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. No. 12 seed Tommy Paul of the USA will face Zverev in the last eight, after sweeping past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain 6-1, 6-1, 6-1.