Australian Open: Alcaraz weathers Hanfmann challenge to stay on track for career Grand Slam
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz moved into the Australian Open third round with a 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Yannick Hanfmann, overcoming a tricky opening set.
Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2026 | © Marcin Cholewinski/ZUMA Press Wirre/SIPA
Carlos Alcaraz continued his pursuit of history at Melbourne Park on Wednesday night, defeating German Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets to reach the round of 32 for the fourth time (7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2). While the scoreline suggests a routine outing, the top seed had to navigate a “tricky first set” before his superior baseline variety allowed him to pull away from the world No. 102.
Hanfmann put up a resilient fight in the opening hour, forcing a tiebreak after a high-quality display of serving and tactical aggression. The first set lasted 78 minutes. However, the Spaniard’s ability to find another gear in pressure moments proved decisive. Following the win, Alcaraz moves into a section of the draw where he will face either American qualifier Michael Zheng or the 32nd seed, Corentin Moutet.
As the tournament progresses, the focus remains on Alcaraz’s physical freshness and focus. Having arrived in Melbourne with minimal match play this month, he has displayed no signs of rust. As his camp suggests, the Spaniard is locked in on his goal, and “you simply do not want to be in his way” as he aims to complete his collection of all four major titles.
