Carlos Alcaraz overcame a spirited challenge from Nuno Borges on Friday, advancing to the Australian Open fourth round with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. The 21-year-old Spaniard is chasing history as he bids to become the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz, the tournament’s third seed and a four-time Grand Slam winner, dominated with 54 winners and nine aces, showcasing his power and precision from the baseline. Despite a slip in the third-set tiebreak, he regained control in the fourth to seal the match with authority.
Match Stats
| Player | Aces | Winners | Break Points Won | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 9 | 54 | 6/10 | 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 |
| Nuno Borges | 6 | 28 | 1/4 |
“This court means a lot to me,” Alcaraz said after securing his win. “The last time I played here, I lost. It feels amazing to get another win and feel the love from the fans in Australia.”
Historical Stakes
Alcaraz is on track to make history in Melbourne. Should he win the title, he would become:
- The youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s mark at age 24.
- The youngest Australian Open champion since Novak Djokovic in 2008.
The path to glory will likely include a quarter-final showdown against Djokovic, promising a thrilling clash between two of the sport’s brightest stars.
Up next, Alcaraz will face either Britain’s Jack Draper or Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in the round of 16, as he continues his quest for a maiden Australian Open crown.
