Carlos Alcaraz is into the fourth round of the Australian Open, and he only seems to be getting better with each match.
His start to the new season in Melbourne might look routine on paper, with three straight-set wins, but today marked the first where he really cruised.
There were no dips in quality, and he kept his opponent suppressed throughout, despite facing the ultimate entertainer in Corentin Moutet.
Carlos Alcaraz spoke on-court immediately after his 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 win, both praising the Frenchman whilst also looking ahead to his next match.
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to reaching the Australian Open fourth round
He began by rating Moutet’s level, admitting: “It wasn’t easy, to be honest, when you play someone like Corentin, you don’t know what’s gonna be next.
“So that’s really difficult to approach the match, but yeah, I had so much fun on the court, as you could see. I think we both pull off great shots, great points, you know, I think there were a few highlights in there in the match.
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz has struggled at the Australian Open in the past?
2021 Australian Open – 1R
2022 Australian Open – 3R
2024 Australian Open – QF
2025 Australian Open – QF
“I just appreciate that, and I’m just grateful that I get to play these kinds of matches against him. But yeah, I just enjoyed [it]. I’m happy that I was able to play against him, and for sure it’s not going to be the last time. I’m just looking forward to playing against him.”
Jim Courier, who conducted the interview, then spoke about Moutet’s drop shots, with Alcaraz laughing as he added: “At one point at the end of the first set I told my team ‘I’m not gonna run for another drop shot’, to be honest… I was tired of going over to the net.
“I was looking at the screen. I was like, I’ve been in the net, like, 55 times. Oh, my God.
“But yeah, it’s been tricky. I thought we were in a drop shot competition, but definitely he won. “
He concluded by looking ahead to his next Australian Open match, where Tommy Paul awaits.
The Spaniard is expecting fireworks: “Yeah, we have great battles against each other. It’s always really difficult to play against him. So he plays great tennis, I think on hard courts with the flat backhand, he slices a lot with you, aggressive, great touch.
“So it’s going to be a really interesting one, and [I’m] just really looking forward to playing against Tommy one more time.
“For sure, I think the people are going to enjoy it because, as I said, you know, the matches against each other was a great level. So, as I said, really looking forward to playing here and tomorrow day off, I will try to enjoy and get ready for Sunday.”
He then headed to his press conference and added: “Well, he’s a great player. You know, we were talking earlier in the locker room, when was the last time we played against each other? Okay, it was in the French Open. So it’s been a long time.
“I know what I have to do, but he’s really, really fast. He has great shots, good hands, as well. So I got to play my style. I got to play my tennis, my good shots if I want to beat him.
“But obviously I know I’m going to suffer, and I have to be ready for that, and I have to accept the tough moments that is gonna be in the match. You know, from that, just move on, and I’m trying to feel comfortable, you know, in those rallies, in those tough moments.
“So that’s what I have to do if I want to beat Tommy.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s record against Tommy Paul
These two stars have faced off against one another plenty of times over the last few years, with varying results.
However, at the French Open last year, Alcaraz hammered Paul, leading many to question whether anybody could disrupt the dominance being exhibited by him and Jannik Sinner.
Who has been the best player at the Australian Open so far?
The rest of the year proved that the answer to that was no.
Paul said whether he thought anyone could beat Alcaraz and Sinner after that match in Paris, but he’ll need to find a more positive outlook if he is to trouble the world number one.
The American has won two of the seven matches he has played against Alcaraz, but crucially, their head-to-head on hard courts stands at two wins apiece.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
