Carlos Alcaraz moved a step closer to completing a career Grand Slam after defeating Tommy Paul 7–6(6), 6–4, 7–5 to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, keeping his pursuit of a maiden title in Melbourne firmly on track.
Playing on Rod Laver Arena, the Spaniard delivered a controlled, high-level performance, absorbing pressure and dictating key moments despite a first-set medical delay. His refined service motion — a focus of recent technical work — proved decisive, helping him maintain composure under the Australian heat.
Serve Upgrade, Big-Stage Control
Alcaraz started sharply, matching Paul shot-for-shot in a tense opening set before asserting himself in the tiebreak. The Spaniard then tightened his grip on the match, using depth, variation, and improved serve placement to blunt Paul’s aggression.
Paul, a semifinalist in Melbourne last year, threatened briefly in the second set, but Alcaraz’s consistency held firm. The decisive moment came in the third set when the world No. 2 broke serve in the 10th game, closing out the contest with authority.
Djokovic’s Wink, Alcaraz’s Response
Watching from afar, Novak Djokovic jokingly remarked he would “send a contract” after spotting similarities between Alcaraz’s updated serve and his own. Alcaraz took the comment in stride, a light moment underscoring the growing belief that his game is rounding into Grand Slam–winning shape on all surfaces.
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Eyes on the Missing Piece
With victories already secured at Wimbledon, the US Open, and Roland Garros, the Australian Open remains the lone major missing from Alcaraz’s collection. He now awaits the winner of Alex de Minaur and Alexander Bublik in the quarterfinals.
If this performance is any indication, Alcaraz is not just surviving Melbourne — he is adapting, maturing, and positioning himself for history.
