Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Australian Open on Sunday after dismissing American Tommy Paul in straight sets at Rod Laver Arena.
The world number one, who is in Melbourne seeking to complete a career Grand Slam at just 22, won 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, and 7-5 to equal his best run at the tournament and remains yet to drop a set.
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Alcaraz will face either home favourite and sixth seed Alex de Minaur or 10th seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan for a place in the semi-finals.
Should the Spaniard lift the trophy, he would become the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam of all four major titles.
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“He started really strong, hitting big shots, and it was difficult at the beginning,” Alcaraz said.
“But I knew I would have my chances. Overall, it was a really high level of tennis from both sides, and I’m really happy to get it done in straight sets.”
Alcaraz endured a difficult start, losing his serve in the opening game to the 19th-seeded Paul, who surged into a surprise 3-1 lead.
The Spaniard missed two early break-point opportunities before finally breaking back in the eighth game to level the opening set.
Alcaraz carried that momentum into the second set, securing a crucial break to move within one set of victory.
The six-time Grand Slam champion has been particularly impressive on serve throughout the tournament, a facet of his game he admits has surprised even him.
“In general, in the four matches, the serve has been a really important weapon for me,” he said.
