Alcaraz into quarter-finals with masterclass in serving

Carlos Alcaraz equalled his best run at the Australian Open by beating Tommy Paul in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals yesterday.

- ELEANOR CROOKS

The world No 1 has made no secret of his desire to claim the title and become the youngest man ever to complete the career grand slam of all four major crowns. He is yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park and overcame a few tricky moments to maintain that in a 7-6 (6) 6-4 7-5 victory over American Paul.

Alcaraz found himself immediately on the back foot on Rod Laver Arena and he trailed 4-2 in the opening set before fighting back, while a lengthy stoppage for a medical emergency in the crowd at 3-3 in the tiebreak was awkward timing for both men.

It was Paul who cracked, double-faulting on Alcaraz’s second set point, and the Spaniard’s extra firepower eventually carried him across the line.

“I think he started pretty strong,” said Alcaraz, who bettered the record held by Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker by reaching a 14th slam quarterfinal before turning 23.