In 66 minutes he certified Carlos Alcaraz his passage to the round of 16 of the Australian Open. A record classification, because it is the first time it has reached this round in Melbourne, improving on the third round of 2022, and because of the time taken.
He had the help of a rival who suffered a nightmare. The Chinese Juncheng Shang, 18 years old and world number 140, he retired with an injury to his right thigh and after verifying that Alcaraz He is ruthless when he has a mission on track. The Murcian did not give a break, as he passed the round 6-1, 6-1, 1-0 and was abandoned.
The first match in the main circuit of Charlie20 years old and No. 2, against a younger opponent, in 201 as a professional, was consumed with a sigh in the middle.
It was the right situation for Alcaraz, who also cleared a rock out of the way without getting involved. The American Tommy Paulwith whom he is 2-2 in the record, is not waiting for him in the round of 16, because he wasted two match points and ended up giving himself to the Serbian. Miomir Kecmanovicwho won 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7) and 6-0 in 3h.57′.
The Serbian, 24 years old and number 60, is not, much less, a connoisseur of sweets, as indicated by his career and his equal record in Alcaraz, where he lost 6-7 (5), 6-3 and 7-6 (5) in the quarterfinals of Miami 2022. However, Paul always represents a different challenge for the Spaniard, who puts him in trouble every time they meet they .
A perfect day in summary for Alcaraz, who arrived in reality ready to fight for the title and the world number one he is defending Novak Djokovic in this Grand Slam.
More than expected Shang, guest of the organization. Trained in the United States, from the age of 16 he showed a bright future, however, his physique did not accompany him, especially the brutal speed he imposed from the first blow. Alcarazthat taught him a different speed of play, the one demanded by the elite.
A lesson for Shang, a method completed by Charly, who did his job until the Asian said enough. He sought medical help, with massages on his painful thigh, but he couldn’t take it anymore. He spoke to his team, he left it. There was nothing he could do in that fight, he was being blown away.
Even in ideal conditions it cannot disturb an Alcaraz in a state of grace, taking advantage of the long preseason. He prepared well, he ran fast.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
