Carlos Alcaraz took an important step towards achieving a career grand slam, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open following a fourth-round withdrawal. The 21-year-old Spanish prodigy reached the last four at Melbourne Park after 15th seed Jack Draper of Great Britain withdrew due to injury, trailing 7-5, 6-1 , Sunday afternoon.
“This is not the way I want to win a match to advance to the next round,” Alcaraz said after an hour and 35 minutes of play at Rod Laver Arena. “I’m just happy to play another quarter-final here in Australia, but a little sad for Jack. He doesn’t deserve to get hurt, and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger. »
Draper, who had fought three tough five-set matches, including spectacular victories over local heroes Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Vukic, faced a tough fight in the stifling heat, with temperatures topping 33°C.
Read more:
Alcaraz Shines in Advance to Australian Open Quarter-Finals
In the first set, Alcaraz faced difficulties, especially during his serve at 5-3, expressing his annoyance with the chair umpire for a service time violation. Nevertheless, he regained his concentration and won the first set with a magnificent forehand landed on a run down the line.
After the first set, Draper sought medical assistance, reporting problems with his hamstring. Although he returned to the court, the injury proved too limiting, leading to his withdrawal after losing the second set.
Alcaraz is now on track to become the youngest male player to achieve a career grand slam, having already won titles at Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024, the US Open in 2022 and Roland Garros in 2024. The Open of Australia was his toughest tournament, having reached the quarter-finals for the first time last year before being eliminated by Alexander Zverev, whom he beat in the final of Roland-Garros in 2024.
-“I’m happy with the level of play I’m maintaining,” said Alcaraz. “On and off the court, I feel really comfortable here in Australia. Physically, I feel in great shape… I’m just excited to play my second quarter-final here and I hope to go even further this year. »
His victory paves the way for a potential quarter-final clash with ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, who faces 24th seed Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic.
Earlier in the day, American Tommy Paul secured his place in the quarter-finals, becoming the first man to do so after convincingly beating Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina with a scoreline 6-1, 6-1, 6 -1 in just 1 hour and 27 minutes on the Margaret Court Arena. This is Paul’s second time reaching the final four in Melbourne, following his run to the semi-final in 2023.
Davidovich Fokina appeared to be struggling with a groin injury, a testament to his resilience after overcoming two-set deficits to triumph over former world number 6 Felix Auger-Aliassime and promising Czech Jakub Mensik.
Paul praised Davidovich Fokina’s tenacity, noting: “What he has achieved in the last few matches is incredible. Coming back from two sets behind isn’t easy, let alone two sets in a row. He definitely deserves respect for staying on the court. »
Later on Sunday evening, world number 2 Alexander Zverev of Germany will face Frenchman Ugo Humbert, seeded 14th, in hopes of advancing to the semi-finals against Paul.
Related News :