Alcaraz less convincing
He concluded an almost perfect first week. In search of the only Grand Slam title that is still missing from his record, Carlos Alcaraz assumed his status as favorite on Friday, even if he abandoned a round on the way against the Portuguese Nuno Borges, 33rd in the ATP ranking and eighth-of- finalist last year in Melbourne. After an impressive start to the game, the Spaniard experienced a moment of hesitation to finally win 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 in 2h55 of play in the 3rd round of the Australian Open . In the round of 16, he will face Jack Draper or Aleksandar Vukic.
It only took him a little over an hour to come away with two sets to nothing. But Carlos Alcaraz experienced some small difficulties to seal the deal. Very aggressive and hard-hitting to start, he experienced more waste from the third act, especially on the backhand side. If he didn’t really tremble – the world number 3 did not concede a break and seized the opponent’s service again from the start of the 4th set after the loss of the tie-break -, he The task is still complicated by committing a total of no less than 50 unforced errors (for 54 winning shots). A waste to erase in preparation for his next match. But he put on a show and shouted his rage, a sign of a certain relief all the same.
Battle of lobs and magic point: artist Alcaraz traps Borges
Video credit: Eurosport
-Zverev on his hand
Once again, Alexander Zverev did not hang around. The German, seeded number 2, signed his third victory without losing a set in this 2025 Australian Open. And after Lucas Pouille and Pedro Martinez, it was Jacob Fearnley who was subjected to his law. This Friday, the Briton, 92nd player in the world, was dispatched in two hours and two minutes, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Still in search of his first Major, Alexander Zverev has clearly mastered his subject for the moment in Melbourne.
For this third round, the runner-up to Jannik Sinner in the ATP rankings signed a match that was as clean as it was solid with only 15 unforced errors compared to 34 for his opponent. With a very stable service even if he left his throw in play once in the third set, the German dominated the debates with seriousness and tranquility. His health walk continues. In the next round, he will play a Frenchman since he will be opposed to the winner of the 100% French duel between Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils. Something to make things a little more difficult?
