Carlos Alcaraz defeated Lorenzo Sonego in the second round of the Australian Open, but not before both players produced incredible moments on Rod Laver Arena.
The Spaniard trailed 6-4 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(3) after falling in a second set tie-break and being pushed back in a thrilling fourth set. Alcaraz had missed chances at 1-1 and 2-2 before taking the lead at 3-3 and winning the first set as an easy victory appeared to be in the works. However, Sonego persisted, and a tie-break resulted after a second set without a single break point that included an absurd around-the-net shot from Alcaraz.
The fourth set ended in a tie-break, which was only fitting since Alcaraz increased his pressure and eventually got Sonego to break up. With an explosive smash, the Spaniard completed the match for his 200th win on tour.
Alcaraz expressed his thoughts after the win and said: “I’m really happy with my performance today. I think both of us played at such a high level of intensity. The match was tricky with the wind and sun. It was tough to play your best. We tried to stay there all the time, even if I lost the second set. I played a good game. It was a great match.”
He further said: “I’m really happy. Two-and-a-half years and already 200 matches on the tour. It’s incredible. I’m looking forward to making 300. I hope to make it soon.”
Alcaraz at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked world no.2, Carlos has managed to achieve a composed 2-0 match record in 2024. Alcaraz is now competing at the Australian Open where he conquered the world no.131 Richard Gasquet 7-65 6-1 6-2 and the world no.46 Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 6-73 6-3 7-63.
Carlos Alcaraz will face the world no.140 Juncheng Shang in the 3rd round. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far in top tournaments.
Carlos won 13 titles in his career: 3 on hard courts, 7 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)