Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz is set to captivate fans once again at the Australian Open as he returns to the court on Thursday.
Fresh from an impressive performance against Richard Gasquet, where he unleashed 53 winners, the 20-year-old is known for his entertaining style and admitted to occasionally attempting “impossible shots” to please his supporters.
Alcaraz, aiming to become the third man to win three Grand Slams before turning 21, faces Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, who acknowledges the Spaniard’s aggressive play.
On the women’s side, world number one Iga Swiatek faces former finalist Danielle Collins. Swiatek, on a 17-match winning streak, had a challenging first-round match against Sofia Kenin but emerged victorious. While Collins defeated Swiatek in the 2022 semi-finals in Melbourne, the Polish player has won their other four meetings.
The day at Melbourne Park also features matches like Elena Rybakina vs. Anna Blinkova and Jessica Pegula vs. Clara Burel in the women’s draw. Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, playing her first Grand Slam in a year, takes on China’s Wang Yafan.
In the men’s draw, third seed Daniil Medvedev faces Emil Ruusuvuori, and sixth seed Alexander Zverev plays against Lukas Klein.
Reported By AFP.
