Carlos Alcaraz defeated Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-3 on Friday to safely advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open despite dropping his opening set of the competition.

As teenagers defeated seeds, Jannik Sinner advanced in his title defense, and Novak Djokovic pursued his 25th major victory, the 21-year-old Spaniard quietly but firmly went about his business in the first week at Melbourne.

In Sunday’s fourth round, Alcaraz will take on either local potential Aleks Vukic or Jack Draper of Britain.

Alcaraz said after the match: “I missed Rod Laver Arena. I’m just really happy to be able to play here once again and show my best tennis here. It’s been a pleasure whenever I step on this court; it’s a beautiful court. The last time I played here, I lost so I really wanted a win here.”

Before the match, fans gushed at the lovely moment between Alcaraz and little fan. One fan wrote: “Too freaking cute.”

Another wrote: “Brilliant.”

One weighed in: “Wee sweetheart.”

Alcaraz at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2025

Currently ranked no.3, Carlos has an overall 3-0 record in 2025. Alcaraz is currently having a run at the Australian Open where he beat the world no.77 Alexander Shevchenko 6-1 7-5 6-1

, the world no.65 Yoshihito Nishioka 6-0 6-1 6-4 and the world no.33 Nuno Borges 6-2 6-4 6-7(3) 6-2.

Alcaraz won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)

He is also scheduled to play in Rotterdam (ABN AMRO Open). The main draw will start on the 3rd of February.