Top seed Carlos Alcaraz booked into the second week of the Australian Open, for the first time on Saturday. with the ATP No. 2 mowing down Chinese wild card Shang Juncheng 6-1, 6-1, 1-0.
The Spanish winner, age 20, finally met a competitor younger than himself as he crushed the 18-year-old in 66 minutes, with No. 140 Shan – a thigh heavily strapped – unable to go on after one game of the third set..
Alcaraz dominated a 27-minute opening set and never faced a challenge in a quick afternoon on the Laver showcourt.
He completed his career set of Grand Slam fourth-round places with the win as he played 201st Tour-level match of a career which has already yielded two Grand Slam trophies.
Alcaraz will bid for the quarter-final against Serb Miomir Kecmanovic, who saved two match points as he put out 2023 semi-finalist Tommy Paul 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-0.
Alcaraz is hunting a mathematical return to the top ranking position if he beats Novak Djokovic in a potential final in eight days.
The winner joked post-match that his power on court came from “eating every night in the Spanish restaurant.”
“I’m feeling great on the court. I missed this event last year (injured) and had to watch from the couch wishing I could play here.
“It feels special to be in the second week. It’s time to play better and better and move forward through the rounds.”
Polish ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz reached the fourth round for a second year in a row thanks to his 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4), 6-3 win over Ugo Humbert of France, with the winner throwing down 17 aces.
Briton Cam Norrie upset 11th seed Casper Ruud, laying on a 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-3, ending with a smash a the net and 11 aces to 19 for his opponent.
“This is so special, so good,’ norrie said after his best career showing here.
I had to play well, I almost won that third set but Casper served well and fought hard.
“I didn’t let it bother me, I kept a good level throughout the match.
“I stuck to my plan and got through. I’ve been trying to play more aggressively.
“I freed up in the match, came forward a lot and volleyed well. That got me through, I finished a lot of points at the net.”
