Carlos Alcaraz has battled through the Australian Open field to reach his first final in Melbourne where he'll face Novak Djokovic. And along the way, the 22-year-old has had the support of superstar DJ Peggy Gou, who is 12 years his senior.
The Spanish tennis ace had made the showpiece of every other Grand Slam before he arrived in Australia, but breezed through to the semi-finals at this competition without dropping a set. His final four clash with Alexander Zverev was a stern test, though, despite cramping and almost watching the match slip away, he prevailed three sets to two. Now, Alcaraz could become the youngest men's player in history to complete a career Grand Slam should he beat final opponent Djokovic and the blockbuster matchup will be preceded by a performance from one of his newest supporters.
During Alcaraz's quarter-final tie against Alex de Minaur, many were taken aback when world-renowned South Korean DJ Gou, 34, appeared in the 22-year-old's player box. Gou, who shot to fame with her 2023 hit '(It Goes Like) Nanana,' watched on as the Spaniard put De Minaur to the sword 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 and inevitable dating rumours began to swirl.
On the back of his win, Alcaraz was asked about her presence in his inner circle and despite the speculation of a romance between the two, he confirmed the two are just friends, saying: "She's a friend and she's really great. I'm glad she's here."
"I've received tremendous support from her. She's fantastic," he added. Gou is in Australia because she will perform live at Melbourne Park just before the final. Before he defeated Zverev, Alcaraz admitted this live showing was an extra incentive for him to reach the last two.
"I'd better win the next round if I want to see her... I hope I can see her," continued Alcaraz, who did just that and set up a mouth-watering affair with 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic.
Questions, of course, arose about how both Gou and Alcaraz became acquainted and the 34-year-old DJ revealed all to an Australian outlet. She said: "We're friends. Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were playing matches in Korea and my parents are big tennis fans.
"They asked me, 'Could you get me a ticket, please?' I asked David [Grutman, a mutual friend] and he introduced us. We met in Korea and became good friends."
Gou, real name Kim Min-ji, is also a regular at Fashion Weeks and is known for her trendsetting fashion. She will seemingly be in Alcaraz's corner for the tournament showpiece and the Spaniard has admitted he will be heading into the clash with endless belief.
"When I was younger, there were a lot of matches that I just didn't want to fight any more or I gave up. Then I got mature," he said. "I hate that feeling [of giving up]. Every step more, every one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting is always worth it. That's why I just fight until the last ball and always believe that I can come back in every situation."
-
Why acid attack survivors face a long wait for justice

-
World Konkani Theatre Festival awards presented in Mangaluru

-
Premier League Highlights: Tottenham Stuns Manchester City, United Triumphs Over Fulham

-
India Post GDS 2026: A golden opportunity to get a government job for 10th pass candidates..

-
US first lady documentary 'Melania' receives mixed views on opening
