Carlos Alcaraz marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning tennis career by winning his 100th major match at the Australian Open, showcasing his talent with a decisive victory over Corentin Moutet. The match showcased Alcaraz’s dynamic shot-making ability, as he triumphed with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-4, 6-1, securing his place in the tournament’s fourth round.
This recent win extends Alcaraz’s impressive streak to ten consecutive victories in Grand Slam tournaments. His performance not only demonstrated his increasing dominance on the court but also aligned him with Bjorn Borg’s record for match wins after a century of major tournament appearances, improving his Grand Slam record to 87 wins and 13 losses.
“I think my level is getting better and better,” Alcaraz reflected after the match. He acknowledged the unique challenges posed by Moutet’s varied style, which included dropshots and slices that could disrupt rhythm. “I just took whatever I could, which I’m really happy about,” he noted, expressing satisfaction with his performance and excitement for what lies ahead.
At just 22 years old, Alcaraz is already a six-time Grand Slam champion, having proven himself across all surfaces, including hard courts, grass, and clay. His sights are now set on achieving the rare feat of becoming the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam, with his next challenge being a fourth-round clash against American Tommy Paul.
Paul, seeded 19th, booked his place in the fourth round with an impressive 6-1, 6-1 victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who had to retire during their encounter. This win marks Paul’s fifth consecutive victory against Davidovich Fokina, making light work of their previous meetings.
Historically, Alcaraz holds an advantage over Paul, having beaten him in five of their seven encounters, including a straightforward straight-sets win in the 2025 Roland Garros quarterfinals. Alcaraz’s dominance was evident during their last match, where he dispatched Paul emphatically with a score of 6-0, 6-1, 6-4.
Reflecting on their history, Alcaraz expressed respect for Paul’s abilities, emphasizing the American’s speed and shot-making prowess. “I know what I have to do,” he stated, recognizing the difficulty that Paul presents on the court. “I’m going to suffer, and I have to accept the tough moments,” he added, underscoring the need for resilience in their upcoming match.
For Paul, maintaining a proactive style and a strong belief in his abilities will be essential when facing the current world number one. “It’s always a great challenge playing Carlos,” Paul stated. He recognizes the exceptional skills that Alcaraz brings to the game, referring to him as the benchmark for players aspiring to reach the top levels of tennis.
As both players prepare for a highly anticipated showdown, it promises to be a compelling contest, with each side eager to showcase their strengths and strategies. The matchup between Alcaraz and Paul not only reflects their individual journeys but also the exciting future of men’s tennis at the highest level.
