Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Australian Open fourth round on Friday, overcoming a spirited challenge from Portugal’s Nuno Borges with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena.
The 21-year-old Spanish third seed, aiming to become the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam, tallied 54 winners and nine aces to dominate from the baseline in a two-hour, 48-minute contest.
“It’s always special to play here on Rod Laver Arena,” Alcaraz said. “I’m trying to bring my best tennis and entertain the fans.”
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, will next face either Jack Draper or Aleksandar Vukic as he bids for his first Australian Open title. A potential quarterfinal clash with Novak Djokovic looms.
The Spaniard showed his class early, breaking Borges twice to claim the opening set. Despite dropping the third set in a tiebreak, Alcaraz regained control in the fourth, securing the win with a powerful forehand to cap off his performance.
