Carlos Alcaraz was greeted with a standing ovation; and he did not disappoint

MELBOURNE: Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, edging closer to a third-round appearance at the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann.

The World No 1 from Murcia, Spain, received a standing ovation as he took the court in a striking all-green outfit, and he did not disappoint his fans. From the opening serve, Alcaraz showcased his trademark blend of speed, precision, and court intelligence, forcing the German into errors and maintaining relentless pressure.

The first set was a tense affair, stretching 78 minutes before Alcaraz clinched it in a grueling tiebreaker. Hanfmann, who had started strong, displayed flashes of brilliance, including a series of punishing groundstrokes that kept the Spaniard on his toes. Yet Alcaraz’s composure never wavered, and he weathered the storm, responding with clutch backhands and deft net play.

By the second set, Alcaraz had fully found his rhythm. One well-timed break proved decisive, and he steadily extended his lead, taking the set 6-2. The German showed grit, fighting for every point, but fatigue and a rib complaint slowed his momentum. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s sharp volleys and powerful serves left spectators on the edge of their seats.

The match also featured some lighthearted moments. At one point, a fan shouted “Carlos Nadal!” drawing a chuckle from the young Spaniard, who continues to carve out his own legacy on the tour.

With this win, Alcaraz now moves one step closer to the third round, while the crowd at Melbourne Park was treated to an electrifying display of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination.

Meanwhile, fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich also impressed, taking the first two sets off Reilly Opelka and moving within striking distance of a third-round berth.

Alcaraz will now prepare for his next challenge, carrying the momentum of this high-energy win and the support of a packed Rod Laver Arena.