TENNIS: Alcaraz turns showman in Moutet mauling at Australian

MELBOURNE — Carlos Alcaraz showcased his full range of skills as he raced into the Australian Open fourth round on Friday, delivering a highlight-filled performance against France’s trick-shot specialist Corentin Moutet.

The world number one looked unstoppable in his 100th Grand Slam match, producing a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 victory over the 32nd seed at Rod Laver Arena. Alcaraz finished the match with 30 winners in just over two hours, dominating the left-handed opponent with consistent power and precision.

“It wasn’t easy, to be honest, when you play someone like Corentin. You don’t know what’s going to be next,” Alcaraz said after the match. “But yeah, I had so much fun there on the court. I think both of us pulled off great points, great shots.”

One of the match’s standout moments came early in the second set. At 15-0, Alcaraz executed what many considered the rally of the tournament. He chased down a lob, hit a stunning cross-court tweener, and then rushed the net to complete the point with a passing shot down the line.

Despite being thoroughly outplayed, Moutet kept the crowd entertained with his playful style. He even danced behind the baseline after successfully lobbing Alcaraz at 4-0 in the third set and bowed dramatically to the crowd after finally holding serve.

Although this was Alcaraz’s first meeting with the French player, it marked his 14th win in 14 matches against left-handed opponents.

Alcaraz also joked about Moutet’s frequent drop shots, saying he had grown tired of constantly rushing to the net.

“I was tired going forward to the net. I looked at the screen… I saw I’ve been to the net like 55 times, oh my God,” Alcaraz said. “I thought we were in a drop-shot competition — but definitely he won.”

Alcaraz now faces American Tommy Paul in the fourth round, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. The Spaniard is still chasing his first title at Melbourne Park and aims to complete the career Grand Slam.

-Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters