Australian Open: Alcaraz Dominates, Zverev Matches Becker's Record

Melbourne, Jan 17 (NationPress) Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Nuno Borges with a score of 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2, showcasing a swift and decisive reaction after losing his initial set of the tournament, thereby advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second time in his four appearances on Friday.

The talented Spaniard is on a quest to become the youngest player to achieve a career Grand Slam in men's singles history. Additionally, at just 21 years old, Alcaraz has the chance to become the youngest champion at this hard-court major since Novak Djokovic (20) in 2008, as per ATP statistics.

Alcaraz is set to face the victor of the evening clash between 15th seed Jack Draper and Aleksandar Vukic in the last 16. Furthermore, he could potentially encounter record 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in a much-anticipated quarterfinal.

Setting the pace from the outset, Alcaraz broke serve in the first game and again to clinch the initial set. He faced stiff competition in the second from the world No. 33, but unleashed a powerful forehand to take control in the ninth game before sealing the set with an ace.

Borges had opportunities to break early in the third set, but Alcaraz extinguished those chances with sharp forehand winners. The top-ranked Portuguese player managed to create another break opportunity to earn a set point at 5-6 but missed a backhand return. Alcaraz forced a crucial tiebreak, but after a few uncharacteristic errors, he conceded the set to Borges with a wide forehand, according to tournament reports.

In the fourth set, Alcaraz secured an early break by chasing down a lob and hitting a forehand winner. Although Borges saved some break points to avoid a 0-4 and 1-5 deficit, his formidable opponent’s journey to victory seemed inevitable. After nearly three hours, the four-time major champion concluded the match when a Borges forehand found the net.

In other men's singles news, Alexander Zverev continued his impressive Australian Open campaign with a third consecutive straight-sets victory. The German player easily defeated Jacob Fearnley from Great Britain with scores of 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, setting the stage for a fourth-round match against the winner of the all-French contest between Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils.

By reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open for the sixth time, Zverev has equaled Boris Becker's Open Era record for German men. With a total of 21 Grand Slam fourth-round appearances, Zverev is now just behind Becker's 31 for the most among German players.

A semifinalist in Melbourne in both 2020 and 2024, Zverev aims to secure his first Grand Slam title during this fortnight. As a two-time major finalist, he has come close to victory at the 2020 US Open and last year at Roland Garros.