TENNIS: Alcaraz passes Hanfmann test to make Australian Open third round

MELBOURNE — Carlos Alcaraz overcame an early challenge at the Australian Open to defeat Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday. The victory moves the 22-year-old into the third round as he continues his pursuit of a career Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.

After a comfortable first-round win over Adam Walton, Alcaraz faced a tougher test from Hanfmann on a sunny day at Rod Laver Arena. Despite the challenge, he rose to the occasion and secured a third-round matchup against either Michael Zheng or Corentin Moutet.

Alcaraz struggled early, trailing 1-3, but he quickly shifted momentum and leveled the set. He missed several chances to break Hanfmann’s powerful serve, but ultimately took control in the tiebreak to win a physically demanding opening set that lasted 78 minutes.

The six-time major champion didn’t allow the second set to turn into another battle of endurance. He relied on his speed and precision to gain control, eventually pulling ahead and doubling his lead in the match.

Hanfmann appeared discouraged at the start of the third set after receiving medical treatment during the break. A more confident and aggressive Alcaraz took full advantage, earning a double break and finishing the match by holding serve.

Alcaraz now advances to the third round as he continues his bid for a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters