Published January 18,2024
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World quantity two Carlos Alcaraz dropped a set Thursday earlier than rediscovering his mojo to battle into the Australian Open third spherical, coming good when it mattered.
The 20-year-old Spaniard was put by way of his paces by Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego earlier than prevailing 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) on Rod Laver Arena.
Two-time main champion and second seed Alcaraz will meet both Indian qualifier Sunmit Nagal or Chinese wildcard Shang Juncheng subsequent as he ramps up his drive in direction of a maiden title in Melbourne.
“I’m really happy with my performance today,” mentioned Alcaraz, who missed final 12 months’s opening Grand Slam of the 12 months with an harm.
“Both of us performed such an ideal stage, excessive depth. The match was a bit tough with the wind and solar, powerful to play my finest.
“Even if I lost the second set, I think I played a good game.”
The second seed had a stellar 2023, lifting six tour-level trophies.
He additionally always battled for the primary spot with 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and has the chance to grab again the highest rating in Melbourne.
Alcaraz took time to search out his rhythm in opposition to Sonego however pounced in recreation seven, triggering a baseline error from the Italian to earn a break earlier than closing out the primary set.
It was equally tight within the second set, which went to a tie-break. Sonego broke early and held on to stage the match.
The setback sparked a brand new lease of life from Alcaraz, who stepped up a gear to grab again management with some scintillating groundstrokes within the third set earlier than encountering extra stiff resistence from Sonego within the fourth.
The once more went to a tie-break and Alcaraz as soon as once more dug deep to seal the win.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
