Carlos Alcaraz Marches On at Australian Open with Dominant Win

Carlos Alcaraz moved into the Australian Open fourth round with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 win over Nuno Borges, keeping his bid to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam alive.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish third seed, advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday, overcoming a challenge from Nuno Borges and moving closer to becoming the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam. Alcaraz demonstrated his superiority over the Portuguese world number 33, ultimately emerging victorious with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 win on Rod Laver Arena.

Competing on centre court for the first time this year, Alcaraz thrived in the atmosphere, producing an impressive display of tennis. He racked up 54 winners and nine aces, dominating from the baseline. Alcaraz's performance was a significant improvement from his previous outing on Rod Laver Arena. “The last time I played here I lost, I really wanted to play here and get another win on Rod Laver,” he said.

Alcaraz expressed his appreciation for the support he received from the Australian crowd. “It's a privilege to feel the love here in Australia,” he said. The four-time Grand Slam winner is seeking his first title in Australia and is focused on playing an exciting brand of tennis. “I'm trying to play different tennis, that's what makes me enjoy playing tennis, what makes me smile on court. And to entertain the people as well, making them happy.” Alcaraz's next opponent will be either Briton Jack Draper or Australia's Aleksandar Vukic.

Carlos Alcaraz is on a mission to make history by becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam in the Open Era. His goal is to win all four majors, a feat his compatriot Rafael Nadal achieved in 2010 at the age of 24. If Alcaraz succeeds, he will also set a new record as the youngest champion at Melbourne Park since Novak Djokovic's victory in 2008.

No. Way. 🤯

Carlos Alcaraz, you're something else 😲@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/wDeHh7awLt

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2025

To achieve this milestone, Alcaraz will likely need to overcome a significant hurdle in the form of Novak Djokovic, whom he is seeded to meet in a highly anticipated quarter-final matchup. Alcaraz's journey to this point began with a strong start against Nuno Borges, as he earned an immediate break when the Portuguese player netted a backhand under pressure. Borges, who had previously beaten the now-retired Rafael Nadal to win his maiden ATP title, struggled to cope with Alcaraz's powerful groundstrokes and was broken again in game seven, ultimately losing the set.

2035 doubles champions loading 🥺

Hot Shots tennis player John gets a behind-the-scenes tour from his favourite player Carlos Alcaraz! pic.twitter.com/YbKY1qnlyv

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2025

In the second set, Borges managed to stay competitive until 4-4, when Alcaraz slammed a forehand winner to secure the break. Alcaraz then served out the set with his fifth ace of the day, taking a two-set lead. The third set saw Borges on the defensive, fighting off two break points from Alcaraz in a thrilling 16-point seventh game to keep the set on serve. However, Borges refused to give up and went on to win the tiebreak emphatically, stunning the world number three.

Alcaraz was visibly riled up after dropping the third set, but he regained his composure in the fourth set. After holding serve to love to open the set, Alcaraz produced a magical forehand winner to break Borges and then sprinted to the finish, securing the set and the match.