Alcaraz storms into the quarters

– Carlos Alcaraz raced into an Australian Open quarterfinal against Alexander Zverev yesterday, producing a fearsome display in a straightsets win over unseeded Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic.

The second seed – seen as the biggest threat to defending champion Novak Djokovic – did not face a single break point in a dominant performance, rolling over his opponent 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 in one hour and 49 minutes.

The Spaniard, who chose not to play any competitive tennis in the build-up to the first Grand Slam of the year, said he “did everything perfectly”.

“I pushed him to the limit in every ball, every point,” he said. “He has played a lot of tough matches before this one, so probably physically he wasn’t 100%.

“I could take my chances in every set and it was a pretty good match for myself.

“I’m feeling better and better every day. Every match I play here on Rod Laver (Arena) I feel more comfortable. Pleasure to play here, amazing court.”

Making his first appearance in the last-16 at Melbourne Park, the 20-year-old was quickly into his stride, breaking in the third game.

The second set went with serve until the seventh game, when Alcaraz broke again, which proved enough for a two-set lead.

The third set was a procession as the Spaniard stepped up a gear – a deft drop shot set up match point and a thunderous serve sealed the deal.

Alcaraz has yet to be fully tested but has shown glimpses of his best form in Melbourne.

In yesterday’s match he won 83% of first-serve points, took advantage of five of his nine break points and hammered 43 winners.

The Australian Open is doubling up as a shoot-out for top spot and defending champ Djokovic has already laid down a marker, dropping just three games in his fourth-round match. –