ALCARAZ SOUNDS WARNING TO RIVALS

World No. 1 excited about his improving form as he bids for elusive Melbourne title

- 

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz is elated with his performance against Frenchman Corentin Moutet on Jan 23. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP)

An ominous Carlos Alcaraz warned that he was getting “better and better” after sweeping into the Australian Open last 16 on Jan 23.

The Spanish top seed wasted little energy in his 100th Grand Slam tennis match with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 mauling of French showman Corentin Moutet.

It thrust him into a clash with American 19th seed Tommy Paul, who progressed when Spanish opponent Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired hurt while trailing 6-1, 6-1.

“I think my level is getting better and better,” said six-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz. “Obviously today, Corentin I think he isn’t a player who plays with so much rhythm in the match, with drop shots, slices.

“So sometimes it’s tricky to get a good rhythm, which I think today I just got whatever I could, which I’m really happy about. I’m excited to keep it going.”

Alcaraz has never gone past the last eight in his four previous trips to Melbourne Park, with the Australian Open the only Grand Slam missing from his burgeoning collection.