Carlos Alcaraz storms into Australian Open last eight with straight-sets win

Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday, defeating Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-0, leaving Rod Laver Arena fans in awe.

Alcaraz came into the match full of energy after his third-round match against China's Shang Juncheng was cut short due to the wildcard's injury, and the 20-year-old Spaniard was too strong for Kecmanovic under the lights at Rod Laver Arena.

"I did everything almost perfectly. In our Miami 2022 match it was closer. It was a good match today as well. I pushed him to the limit in every point," said Alcaraz, who will face sixth seed Alexander Zverev.

"I could take my chances in every set ... I'm feeling better and better every day. Every match that I play, I've been feeling more comfortable."

Alcaraz broke in the third game of the match and held in the next to extend his lead to 3-1 with a fiery backhand winner - one of 18 in the first set alone - as the 20-year-old set the tone for the match with an aggressive start.

Kecmanovic, who won two five-setters to advance to his second meeting with Alcaraz, regrouped after dropping the first set and held on until the seventh game of the second, when his opponent broke and doubled his lead.

"He played a lot of matches in five sets and a lot of tough matches, so probably he was not at 100%," said Alcaraz.

Things looked bleak for the 60th-ranked Kecmanovic when he quickly fell behind by a double break in the third set, as an awestruck centre court crowd was unusually quiet when Alcaraz moved in for the kill.

There were huge roars when the twice Grand Slam champion sealed the victory, however, and Alcaraz was appreciative.

"It's a pleasure to play here on Rod Laver Arena. It's a beautiful court," he said.

"The people here in Melbourne are so kind and I enjoy playing in front of you. Thanks to you I play my best level. I feel at home."

SportsLigue