Rod Laver Arena was treated to a trick-shot extravaganza as Carlos Alcaraz continued his successful run with a win over Corentin Moutet at the Australian Open.
The flamboyant Frenchman is one of the few players on tour of Alcaraz’s caliber, and what this contest lacked in competitive intensity it certainly made up for in entertainment.
Both players hit plenty of tweeners, drop shots and lobs, with Moutet hitting back-to-back under serves early in the second set.
The only smile left on Alcaraz’s face was when his opponent fought back from a 3-0 deficit in that set with a four-game run, but the world No. 1 showed that this was no showpiece as he persevered and pulled away to win 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.
Alcaraz’s next match will be against 19th seed Tommy Paul, where the Spaniard finished the match leading Alejandro Davidovic Fokina 6-1, 6-1.
Carlos Alcaraz advances to the last 16 at the Australian Open without dropping a set
“It wasn’t easy to play against a player like Corentin. You never know what will happen next,” said Alcaraz, who reached the fourth round without dropping a set.
“It’s really difficult, but we had a lot of fun on the court. I think we both made great shots, great points, and there were some highlights. I’m just grateful to be able to play a game like this.”
“I told the team, ‘I’m not going to run for drop shots anymore. I’ve already been to the net 55 times, damn it.’ I thought it was a drop shot competition, but he definitely won.”
Norrie final: Brit loses to Zverev in 4 sets
Cameron Norrie suffered a familiar defeat to Alexander Zverev, ending his British singles hopes at the Australian Open.
Norrie was the only British player to reach the third round and knew he would have his work cut out for him against third-seeded Zverev, who has won all seven of his tour-level matches.
British interest in Australian Open singles ends as Cameron Norrie loses eight games to Alexander Zverev
Two years ago, Norrie pushed the German to a fifth-set tiebreak in the last 16 at Melbourne Park, then took the second set and gave him another chance, but this time he lost 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Norrie’s game plan was clear from the start, with the 26th seed stepping onto the court and attacking Zverev at every opportunity.
Despite getting a break in just the second game, Norrie was unable to secure it and the metronome German broke serve again in the 11th game to take the first set.
Still, Norrie didn’t let his guard down and continued his aggressive approach, eventually breaking service and clinching the second set.
However, the parity did not last long, as in the third game, at 1-1, Britain’s number two player had a poor service game, once again handing control to Zverev, who took even more control from there.
The third seed continued to attack relentlessly in the fourth set, and when Norrie was trailing 5-0, he only ended a seven-match losing streak against Norrie and slowed Zverev’s march to victory.
Medvedev and Tien reunite
Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev battled back from two sets down to reach the fourth round.
Meanwhile, there will be another clash between three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev and young American learner Tien.
The pair faced off in three memorable matches last year, including the second round here, where 20-year-old Tien burst into the spotlight by defeating the former US Open champion.
“I think it’s going to be crazy to be playing here again in a year’s time. I’m looking forward to it,” Tien said after defeating Nuno Borges 7-6 (11-9), 6-4, 6-2, helping him reach the fourth round last year.
“We played three times. It was a war every time. I think we both make a lot of balls. Neither of us give up too many free points. I think that makes for very long rallies and very long games.”
Medvedev won just one Grand Slam last year, but has already surpassed that number in 2026, fighting back from two sets down to defeat Fabian Marossan 6-7 (5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3.
Lerner Tien defeats Nuno Borges to book Australian Open reunion with Daniil Medvedev
“During the match, they showed me the score. I don’t usually watch TV, but this time I glanced at it. At that moment, they were like, ‘Tien, three sets,’ and I thought, ‘Okay,’ and I was down two sets,” he said of his rematch with Tien.
“‘If I win, it’s going to be five sets. It’s going to be a very tough match. And I have Lerner. But it’s okay.’ The problem is, I don’t like playing against him, but I’m sure he doesn’t like playing against me either.
“I’m going to enjoy the game of tennis. Of course, I’m going to try my best to surprise him somewhere.”
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