Alcaraz into Open last eight as Brit retires injured

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Alcaraz into Open last eight as Brit retires injured

Super Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz has moved within three wins of becoming the youngest man to complete a career grand slam with a fourth-round walkover at the *********** Open.

The 21-year-old mega star entered the last eight at Melbourne Park on Sunday afternoon, courtesy of British 15th seed Jack Draper retiring injured at 7-5 6-1 down.

“It’s not the way that I want to win (the) match to go through to the next round,” said Alcaraz after spending an hour and 35 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

“I’m just happy to play another quarter-final here in Australia but a little bit sad for Jack.

“He doesn’t deserve to get injured … I’m pretty sure he’s going to come back stronger.”

Draper was backing up after three five-set marathons in a row, including victories over locals Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Vukic in hostile territory.

With the temperature hovering above 33C at Melbourne Park, Alcarez faltered when serving for the first set at 5-3 and blew up at the chair umpire at the change of ends over an ill-timed shot clock violation.

But the Spaniard steadied himself and sealed the first set with a trademark running forehand winner down the line.

Draper retreated to dressing rooms for a medical timeout in between sets after appearing to point to his hamstring.

He returned but was restricted and pulled the pin after losing the second set.

Alcaraz is seeking to become the youngest men’s player to complete a career grand slam after earning titles at the All England Club in 2023 and 2024, as well as Flushing Meadows in 2022 and Roland Garros in 2024.

The *********** Open has been his bogey slam, with the Spaniard only making it to the quarter-finals for the first time last year.

He was stopped in his tracks then by Alexander Zverev, who he beat in the 2024 French Open final.

“I’m happy with the level that I’m playing,” Alcaraz said.

“On the court, off the court, I’m feeling really comfortable here in Australia.

“Physically I’m feeling great … I’m just excited about playing my second quarter-finals here in Australia and hopefully (I) get further this year.”

Alcaraz’s win sets up a likely quarter-final blockbuster with 10-time *********** Open champion Novak Djokovic, who faces Czech 24th seed Jiri Lehecka on Sunday evening.

Earlier, American Tommy Paul became the first man into the quarter-finals after ending the dream run of Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The 12th seed showed no mercy against the battle-weary Davidovich Fokina, winning 6-1 6-1 6-1 in an hour and 27 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.

It is the second time Paul, who won three tour titles last year, has reached the last eight in Melbourne, following a semi-final appearance in 2023.

Davidovich Fokina appeared to be hampered by a groin injury after battling back from two sets down to defeat former world No.6 Felix Auger Aliassime and Czech rising star Jakub Mensik in the previous two rounds.

Paul was impressed with the 25-year-old’s never-say-die attitude and willingness to push through pain.

“What he did is unreal in the past couple of matches,” said the 27-year-old American, who had beaten Davidovich Fokina in all four of their previous encounters.

“Coming back from two sets to love is not easy to do once, and to do it twice in a row it’s amazing.

“He definitely deserves a round of applause and respect from me for sure for staying out here.”

******* world No.2 Zverev and French 14th seed Ugo Humbert clash on Sunday evening for the right to face Paul for a semi-final berth.

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