Carlos Alcaraz's Improved Serve Carries Him into Melbourne Quarter-Finals
Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 tennis player, has equalled his best run at the Australian Open by beating Tommy Paul in straight sets, reaching the quarter-finals. Alcaraz, who has yet to drop a set at Melbourne Park, is on a mission to claim the title and become the youngest man ever to complete the career Grand Slam of all four major crowns.
Alcaraz's improved serve, which helped him secure a sixth major title at the US Open last summer, has been a key factor in his success. He averaged 70 per cent first serves and won 79 per cent of those points against Paul, just a touch higher than his overall tournament mark. The Spaniard also won 68 per cent of points on his second serve.
Alcaraz's serve has been a reliable weapon for him, and he's been working on it for a long time. He's surprised himself with the improvement, and he's happy to see the results. The retooled start of his service motion has a familiar look, and it hasn't escaped the attention of Novak Djokovic, who joked about sending Alcaraz a message asking for a copyright fee.
Alcaraz must now try to break new ground in Melbourne when he takes on either home favourite Alex De Minaur or Alexander Bublik. It's the third year in a row he's reached the last eight, and he'll be looking to make it to the semi-finals this time around.
American Learner Tien, meanwhile, has also made it to the quarter-finals. He overcame a nosebleed in the opening set to school Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-0 6-3 and move into the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. Tien's victory earned him a quarter-final match against third seed Alexander Zverev.
