MELBOURNE, Jan. 25 — World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz’s bid for an elusive Australian Open title took another step on Sunday after comfortably beating 19th seed Tommy Paul in the fourth round.
The six-time Grand Slam champion lifted in the big moments at Rod Laver Arena in his 7-6 (6), 6-4, 7-5 victory in two hours and 44 minutes.
It is his fourth consecutive straight-sets win in an ominous sign for rivals. Alcaraz moved closer to capturing a career slate of major titles, having never tasted success at the season-opening Grand Slam.
The 28-year-old Paul, a former top-10 ranked player, was hoping for a breakthrough at a major with his best result being his semifinal run at the 2023 Australian Open.
The American started confidently to capture the early break before Alcaraz found his range and he won the first set on a tiebreak.
Alcaraz held sway across sets two and three to reach the quarterfinals for the third straight year in Melbourne. The 22-year-old is hoping to break his curse, having lost in the final eight at the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025.
Alcaraz will next face Australian sixth seed Alex de Minaur or 10th seed Alexander Bublik, who contest their fourth round match later on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
