Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz has moved a step closer to a career Grand Slam after he beat Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday (Jan 15). Chasing his first Australian Open title, Alcaraz beat his Japanese opponent 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 in a one-sided contest. Having won Wimbledon twice, the US Open and the French Open over the past couple of years, the Australian Open is the only missing piece of the puzzle for the 21-year old.
Alcaraz takes step closer to career Grand Slam
Ranked World No.3, Alcaraz has been in red-hot form in the last two years and was determined to start on the front foot. Having beaten Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstani in the opening round, the Spaniard was flawless on Wednesday. He won the opening set against Nishioka without dropping a game before dominating the second set. He dropped his first game in the second set and showcased his class at the Margaret Court Arena.
Nishioka showed some fight in the third set but ultimately was broken in the 11th game, meaning Alcaraz was served for the match. With a perfect serve, Alcaraz was through to the third round as he now looks to add the Australian Open to his arsenal.
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Zheng Qinwen knocked out
Last year’s Australian Open women’s singles runner-up Zheng Qinwen faced a shock exit after she was dumped out by Laura Siegemund. The Chinese star lost in straight sets 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, being the biggest upset of the tournament so far. Siegemund is the second oldest player in the draw and is ranked 97 in the world.
On the other hand, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survived a scare as she scampered past Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5. She saved 11 break points in the match before overcoming the Spaniard.
"She played incredible tennis today and it was a really tough one. I expected this tennis from her, I'm really glad I was able to win this match," said Sabalenka.
Former world number one Osaka, the 2019 and 2021 champion in Australia but now unseeded, stormed back to defeat 20th seed Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3.