Carlos Alcaraz showcased his extraordinary talent in a thrilling match against Corentin Moutet at Rod Laver Arena, underscoring his seamless progress in the Australian Open. The world number one displayed a dazzling array of shots, reminiscent of Moutet’s own flair, turning the match into a delightful exhibition of trick shots rather than a fierce competition.
Alcaraz and Moutet entertained the crowd with impressive tweeners, lobs, and inventive drop shots. Moutet even attempted consecutive underarm serves at the start of the second set, adding to the match’s lively atmosphere. Despite Moutet’s spirited comeback from 3-0 down in the second set, Alcaraz’s determination shone through as he secured a commanding victory with scores of 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. This victory marks Alcaraz’s progression to the fourth round without dropping a single set.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz admitted the challenge of facing a player like Moutet, noting, “I had so much fun on the court. I think we both pulled off great shots, great points, there were a few highlights.” He humorously remarked on the number of times he ventured to the net, suggesting that it felt like they were in a competition of drop shots.
On another note, British hopes in the singles event came to an end as Cameron Norrie suffered a defeat to Alexander Zverev. Norrie, the only British player to reach the third round, faced the daunting task of taking on the third seed, Zverev, who has proven to be an unbeatable opponent for Norrie, now leading their matchup history 8-0. Norrie fought hard, managing to take the second set before ultimately falling 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Meanwhile, three-time former finalist Daniil Medvedev continued his quest by coming back from two sets down to defeat Fabian Marozsan, showcasing his persistence and resilience. He is set for a rematch against American standout Learner Tien, who also advanced after a solid victory over Nuno Borges. Tien expressed excitement at their impending clash, recalling their previous encounters as intense battles.
This year’s Australian Open is shaping up to be full of unexpected moments and gripping narratives, highlighting the remarkable talent of emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike. As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches and unexpected turnarounds.