Top seed Carlos Alcaraz battled past a stern early test to reach the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, while Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff delivered commanding performances in Melbourne.
Alcaraz overcame hard-hitting German Yannick Hanfmann 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 to book his place in the next round.
Alcaraz Admits Tough Early Challenge
The world number one acknowledged that the contest was more demanding than anticipated before sealing a meeting with France’s Corentin Moutet.
“To be honest, it was tougher than I thought at the beginning,” said the 22-year-old Spaniard.
“I didn’t feel the ball that good. The ball was coming as a bomb, forehand and backhand.”
Medvedev Fights Through Four Sets
Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev also progressed after recovering from a tight opening-set loss. The Russian beat France’s Quentin Halys 6-7 (9/11), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
“It was a very tough match, happy I managed to fight,” Medvedev said after the encounter.
Zverev Advances Despite Injury Scare
Third seed Alexander Zverev joined the list of qualifiers despite a rain delay and brief injury concern. Playing under a closed roof, the German defeated France’s Alexandre Muller 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
“I took a painkiller and it was fine after that,” Zverev said
He will next face Britain’s Cameron Norrie.
Sabalenka Cruises In Women’s Draw
In the women’s competition, world number one Aryna Sabalenka maintained her dominant start to the tournament. The two-time defending champion brushed aside qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan 6-3, 6-1 to set up a clash with Anastasia Potapova.
“Super-happy with my win… there is always a little gap to improve,” Sabalenka said.
Gauff Delivers Near-Perfect Display
Coco Gauff was equally ruthless, needing just 78 minutes to defeat Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-2. The American later described her performance as “near perfect” as she prepares to face compatriot Hailey Baptiste.
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