MELBOURNE: Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff endured bumpy rides into the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday, while Carlos Alcaraz continued his serene progress with a dazzling win in his 100th Grand Slam match.
Sabalenka, chasing a third title in Melbourne, was stretched in back-to-back tiebreaks before edging Anastasia Potapova, setting up a last-16 clash with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. The 19-year-old booked her place with a confident win over 14th seed Clara Tauson, continuing a breakout run that has lit up the women’s draw.
Gauff also had to dig deep. The 21-year-old American dropped her first set of the tournament before regrouping to beat compatriot Hailey Baptiste, while another teenager, 18-year-old Iva Jovic, announced herself by knocking out seventh seed Jasmine Paolini.
In contrast, Alcaraz made light work of his task, sweeping aside Corentin Moutet in straight sets with a performance packed with flair and authority. The 22-year-old Spaniard, chasing a first Australian Open crown and a place in history as the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, looked untouchable as he extended his unbeaten record against left-handers.
Even when forced to chase down Moutet’s drop shots, Alcaraz had the crowd gasping, producing a tweener and a pinpoint passing shot in what could become the rally of the tournament. It was another reminder that while others are grinding, Alcaraz’s road through Melbourne Park is looking increasingly golden.
