Carlos Alcaraz blasts past Miomir Kecmanovic to tee up Alexander ...

Updated 22/01/2024 at 10:36 GMT

Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time with a devastating straight-sets win over Miomir Kecmanovic.

After seeing 10-time champion Novak Djokovic drop just three games in his demolition of Adrian Mannarino on Sunday, Alcaraz delivered his own statement victory as he completely overpowered his Serbian opponent 6-4 6-4 6-0.

"I did everything perfectly," Alcaraz admitted on court afterwards.

"Today was a good match, but I pushed him to the limit on every ball and every point. He has played a lot of tough five-set matches before this one, so physically he probably wasn’t 100%. Every ball I pushed him to the limit, moving him side to side, taking my chances in every set and a pretty good match for myself."

Kecmanovic did not have a single sniff at a break point on Rod Laver Arena as his Spanish opponent dominated the baseline exchanges and sprinkled in the odd moment of magic.

A single break was enough to take the first two sets, with Kecmanovic doing little wrong except playing an opponent in scintillating form.

Kecmanovic had come through back-to-back five-set encounters to set up a clash with the second seed, and those long outings started to show as Alcaraz broke immediately at the start of the third set.

Tim Henman summed up Kecmanovic's challenge best on Eurosport commentary: "I think when you look at the skillset, Alcaraz is pretty much better in every department.

"He's got a slightly bigger serve, he's got a bigger forehand, more reliable backhand, he moves a little bit better and it was always going to be a tall order for Kecmanovic."

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On his upcoming clash with the German, he said: "Playing at this level I will have my chances.

"He has played tough five-set matches. It’s going to be tough for him as well. I hope to play a top match. I love playing against Sascha, both of us bring a high level of tennis. For the crowd, it’s a great match. I’ll try to bring my best tennis."

He added: "I’m feeling better and better every day. Every match that I’ve played on Rod Laver, I’ve been feeling more comfortable, and it’s a pleasure to play here, it’s an amazing and beautiful court.

"The people in Australia are so kind so I’m enjoying playing in front of [everyone]. I’m showing my best level. It feels like home. I hope to still feel better and better every day."

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