Carlos Alcaraz Cruises Past Milestone Match At Australian Open

Six-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz made a strong impression in his 100th Major match, advancing to the last 16 of the Australian Open on Friday with a straight-sets win against French showman Corentin Moutet.

The 22-year-old six-time major winner showcased his superior level of play on Rod Laver Arena, securing his spot with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 win in 2 hours and 5 minutes.

This victory sets up a quarter-final clash with American 19th seed Tommy Paul, who moved forward after his Spanish opponent, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, retired due to injury.

Alcaraz, who has never progressed past the quarter-finals in his four previous trips to Melbourne Park, aims to complete his Grand Slam collection with the Australian Open.

If he succeeds, he will

become the youngest man to win all four majors.

“It wasn’t easy. To be honest, when you play someone like Corentin, you don’t know what’s going to happen next,” said the Spaniard. “So that’s really difficult, you know, to approach the match. But I had fun on the court. I think we both pulled off great shots, great points.”

The win against Moutet marked Alcaraz’s 100th Slam match, giving him an impressive 87-13 win-loss record, matching the legendary Bjorn Borg at the same stage of his career.

Left-hander Moutet had never beaten a world number one and never seemed likely to do so on centre court.

Top seed Alcaraz found his rhythm, breaking Moutet in the opening game before holding for 2-0.

The Frenchman managed a hold in the third game but was a spectator as Alcaraz took the set in 35 minutes.

An immediate break for Alcaraz set the tone for the second set. However, Moutet fought back, winning four straight games from 0-3 down, using underarm serves, dropshots and tweeners.

Alcaraz regained control and took the set before comfortably winning the third.

(With AFP Inputs)