Alcaraz Triumphs Over Moutet as Sabalenka and Gauff Prevail

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a thrilling third-round showdown at the Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Corentin Moutet with a score of 6-2, 6-4, 6-1, securing his spot in the fourth round and continuing his quest for a career Grand Slam. Despite the lopsided score, the match was an entertaining display of innovative shot-making and strategic improvisation.

Moutet's unpredictable left-handed play captivated the audience, featuring a variety of shots including drop shots, lobs, and even an underarm serve, challenging Alcaraz throughout the match.

“Facing someone like Corentin means surprises at every turn,” Alcaraz remarked after the match. “I truly enjoyed our exchanges.”

Amusingly, he noted that he had finally encountered a player who could outdo him in the drop-shot department.

“I felt as if we were in a drop-shot competition,” he laughed. “But he took that crown.”

At one moment during the first set, Alcaraz mentioned to his team that he was fatigued from chasing Moutet's shots. However, he responded impressively, showcasing his own dazzling skills, with precise volleys and jaw-dropping tweeners to maintain his lead.

Even when Moutet briefly threatened a comeback by winning four consecutive games in the second set, Alcaraz maintained his poise, quickly re-establishing his dominance.

This time, Moutet received a much warmer reception from the Melbourne crowd compared to his earlier appearance in the tournament, tipping his cap in acknowledgment after an impressive point.

Alcaraz's next opponent will be the 19th-seeded Tommy Paul, who moved on after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired due to injury while trailing 6-1, 6-1.

Sabalenka and Gauff Battle Through Tough Matches

Both world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and third seed Coco Gauff faced serious challenges to progress into the fourth round.

Sabalenka edged out Anastasia Potapova in a close match that ended with two tie breaks, admitting afterward, “Nothing seemed to align perfectly.”

The defending champion encountered difficulties missing three set points in the opening set before finally clinching it in a tiebreak. Potapova persisted, even holding three set points in the second set, but Sabalenka maintained her composure under pressure.

As she aims for her third Australian Open title in four years, she will next face Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, who triumphed over 14th seed Clara Tauson.

Gauff, meanwhile, rebounded from a sluggish start, losing the initial set against Hailey Baptiste before rallying to win 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, refining her performance significantly and cutting down errors.

Young Talents Shine as Medvedev Prepares for Rematch

Eighteen-year-old Iva Jovic surprised everyone with a victory over seventh seed Jasmine Paolini, winning 6-2, 7-6 (3). After facing setbacks while serving for match point, Jovic opted for an aggressive approach.

Jovic will now face Yulia Putintseva, who triumphed over Zeynep Sonmez.

Daniil Medvedev demonstrated his resilience yet again, coming back from two sets down against Fabian Marozsan to win 6-7 (5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3—a notable fifth occurrence in his career.

Reflecting on his performance, Medvedev stated, “I was frustrated with myself early on. In the third set, I had to let go of that and focus on my game.”

The former US Open champion is now set for an eagerly anticipated rematch against American Learner Tien, who defeated him in a five-set thriller at last year’s Australian Open.