Carlos Alcaraz beats Tommy Paul to reach Australian Open quarterfinals
World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tommy Paul 7-6, 6-4, 7-5 to reach his third consecutive Australian Open quarterfinal. The 22-year-old Spaniard, chasing a Career Grand Slam, will face Alex de Minaur or Alexander Bublik next at Melbourne Park
Melbourne: World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz overcame a stern test from Tommy Paul to maintain his strong start and reach his third consecutive Australian Open quarterfinal here on Sunday.
Alcaraz registered a 7-6(6), 6-4, 7-5 win over 19th seed Paul in two hours and 44 minutes to continue his commanding run at the hard-court major in Melbourne.
At just 22 years old, Alcaraz is already a six-time major champion and is chasing more history. Should he claim his maiden Australian Open title, Alcaraz would complete his Career Grand Slam and become the youngest player to achieve that feat. The current holder of the record is his countryman Rafael Nadal.
The top seed, who fired 35 winners and is yet to drop a set, will next play home favourite Alex de Minaur or Alexander Bublik at Melbourne Park for a place in the semifinals.
In a tight first set, Alcaraz had to fight back from an early break deficit as Paul went toe-to-toe with the powerful Spaniard from the baseline. Alcaraz broke serve in a dramatic tiebreak to claim the opener 7-6 (8-6), completing a remarkable comeback on Rod Laver Arena.
Alcaraz rode a purple patch to clinch a break in the third game of the second set. Serving for the set for the second time, the top seed held firm under pressure to take it 6-4, moving two sets clear.
Serving for the match after a crucial break in game eleven, Alcaraz delivered clutch serving under pressure. After dropping the opening point, he fired three consecutive powerful serves that forced errors from Paul.
He sealed the contest with a thunderous 214 kmph service winner, his fastest of the match, to take the third set 7-5.
