Australian Open 2026: De Minaur Faces Alcaraz; Djokovic Advances; Shelton on Centre Court
At the Australian Open 2026, Carlos Alcaraz exhibited his impressive skills while facing American player Tommy Paul. Alcaraz won the match in straight sets with scores of 7-6, 6-4, and 7-5. This victory propelled him into the quarter-finals of the tournament, marking his third consecutive appearance at this stage in Melbourne.
Alcaraz’s Serve Transformation
Recently, Alcaraz made significant adjustments to his serve. He modified his setup and swing, leading to a style reminiscent of Novak Djokovic’s technique. Djokovic humorously texted Alcaraz, joking that he wanted royalties for the borrowed serve style. “I wasn’t aware it was similar to Novak’s serve,” Alcaraz commented after the match.
Match Highlights Against Tommy Paul
- Alcaraz faced a strong challenge from Tommy Paul, who broke his serve in the first game.
- The first set lasted 72 minutes, featuring a tie-break and a brief medical interruption for a spectator.
- Despite the initial setback, Alcaraz maintained composure and capitalized on crucial points throughout the match.
He recalled, “He started pretty strong that first game on my serve. I thought I had played a good game, though, and I lost.” His resilience and strategic play during key moments ultimately secured his victory.
Upcoming Quarter-Final Potential
Looking ahead, Alcaraz may face Australian player Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals, provided De Minaur overcomes Alexander Bublik in their ongoing match. As the tournament progresses, Alcaraz strives to capture his first Australian Open title, a feat that has thus far eluded him.
With his evolving serve and demonstrated skill on the court, Alcaraz remains a formidable contender as he pursues the championship at the Australian Open 2026.
