Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz continued his dominant run at the Australian Open on Friday, securing a spot in the Round of 16 with a straight-set victory over Corentin Moutet.The win marks Alcaraz’s 100th at the Grand Slam level and keeps the 2022 US Open champion on course for his first title at Melbourne Park. Despite a competitive second set, Alcaraz proved too strong for the Frenchman, prevailing 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in a match lasting just over two hours.
Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Australian Open Round of 16 on Friday, defeating Corentin Moutet 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in a match lasting two hours and five minutes. The victory keeps Alcaraz on track in his pursuit of a maiden title at Melbourne Park, and a seventh Grand Slam championship overall.
“I’m happy that I played against him, I really enjoyed it,” Alcaraz said after the match. The pair had never previously faced each other on the professional circuit. While billed as a potentially entertaining matchup between two skilled players, the contest was punctuated by a combined 54 unforced errors – 20 from Alcaraz and 34 from Moutet.
First Set
Moutet, the last of 18 French players – men and women – competing in the tournament, showcased a variety of touch shots, including his signature underhand serve and a between-the-legs attempt. However, he was ultimately overwhelmed by Alcaraz’s power.
The players delighted the crowd with spectacular exchanges, notably at 4-1 in the first set, trading net play and looping shots. Moutet faltered at that point, sending a ball into the net to drop his game (5-1). Alcaraz then served out the set with a commanding forehand that Moutet couldn’t handle, sending it wide.
A Competitive Second Set
The second set proved to be a much tighter affair. Moutet dropped serve twice early (3-0), but battled back with a pair of powerful forehands to break Alcaraz and level the set at 3-3, capitalizing on a double fault from the Spaniard.
With the score tied at 4-4, Alcaraz reeled off six consecutive games, closing out the set and taking a 4-0 lead in the third. Moutet briefly halted the momentum, holding his serve and earning applause from the crowd as he removed his cap before taking a minute’s break.
He would ultimately lose the next two games and the match. “I told my box that I was tired of running after his drop shots,” Alcaraz revealed, acknowledging Moutet’s proficiency in that area. “But today he won the battle of the drop shots,” Alcaraz joked after securing his 100th Grand Slam victory. Alcaraz will next face Tommy Paul (20th-ranked) on Sunday, with a quarterfinal berth on the line.
