World number one Carlos Alcaraz has smoothly progressed into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, securing a commanding straight-sets victory over American opponent Tommy Paul. The Spanish sensation triumphed with a scoreline of 7-6 (6) 6-4 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena, equalling his best-ever performance at this prestigious Grand Slam event in Melbourne.
Flawless Campaign Continues
Alcaraz remains undefeated in sets throughout the tournament, showcasing his dominance and determination to clinch the title. This win marks his 14th Grand Slam quarter-final appearance before turning 23, surpassing the previous records held by tennis legends Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker. His ambition to become the youngest male player ever to achieve a career Grand Slam is driving his relentless pursuit of success in Australia.
Overcoming Challenges on Court
The match presented several testing moments for Alcaraz, who initially found himself trailing 4-2 in the opening set. Demonstrating resilience, he fought back to level the score. A notable interruption occurred during the tie-break at 3-3, when a medical emergency in the crowd caused a lengthy stoppage, disrupting the rhythm for both competitors. Ultimately, it was Paul who faltered under pressure, double-faulting on Alcaraz's second set point, allowing the Spaniard to seize control.
In a post-match interview, Alcaraz reflected on the high-level contest, stating, "I think he started pretty strong. He came with really strong shots and for me it was difficult a little bit but I stayed there all the time. I knew I was going to have my chances. Overall it's been a really high level of tennis from both sides, I'm just really happy I got it in straight sets."
Serve Improvement as Key Weapon
Alcaraz highlighted the significant role his improved serve has played in his recent successes, including his sixth Grand Slam title at the US Open last summer. Against Paul, he averaged an impressive 70 per cent first serves, slightly above his tournament average, underscoring the reliability and effectiveness of this aspect of his game.
He expressed satisfaction with his progress, noting, "I'm surprising myself. The serve is something that I've been working on since a long time ago. I'm just really happy to see the improvement of the serve. After every set, I try to check the statistics out. The four matches I've played, the serve has been a really important weapon for me."
Looking Ahead to Quarter-Final Clash
Alcaraz now sets his sights on breaking new ground in Melbourne as he prepares to face either home favourite Alex De Minaur or Alexander Bublik in the quarter-finals. This marks the third consecutive year he has reached this stage, having been defeated by Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic in the previous two editions. With his current form and unwavering focus, Alcaraz aims to advance further and solidify his status as a top contender for the championship.
