Rune Stunned As Alcaraz, Dimitrov, Zverev, Ruud Reach third round

Carlos Alcaraz stood tall against an inspired Lorenzo Sonego to dismiss the Italian in four sets at the Australian Open on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Spaniard matched his best Melbourne result by reaching the third round with a 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-3. 7-6(3) win in what was his 200th tour-level match.

“I’m really happy with my performance today. I think both of us played such a great level, high intensity,” Alcaraz said of their display in windy conditions. “Even if I lost the second set, I think I played a good game. We put on a show, both of us, making good points and some hot shots as well. It was a great match.”

Now 157-43 in his young career, the 20-year-old has reached the semi-finals or better at each of the other three Grand Slam tournaments. In his third Australian Open appearance, Alcaraz awaits wild card Shang Juncheng or qualifier Sumit Nagal.

Elsewhere, Arthur Cazaux produced a scintillating display to oust eighth seed Holger Rune 7-6(4), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and reach the third round at the hard-court major.

The 21-year-old Frenchman and wild card’s next test in Melbourne will be a meeting with Tallon Griekspoor, after the Dutchman defeated Cazaux’s countryman Arthur Fils 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.

13th seed Grigor Dimitrov avoided any second-round upset of his own with a 6-3, 6-2 4-6, 6-4 triumph against home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The Bulgarian who lifted his first tour-level title in more than six years in Brisbane just under two weeks ago will next take on Nuno Borges next after the Portuguese downed 23rd seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-3.

Alexander Zverev narrowly avoided consecutive second-round exits at the Australian Open by battling back in a five-set thriller against Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(10-7) on Thursday.

The victory is Zverev’s 400th at tour-level and extends his winning streak against qualifiers to 17 and he will battle with American Alex Michelsen in the third round.

Casper Ruud also survived a five-setter against Aussie home favourite Max Purcell. The 11th seed was a 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(10-7) winner in Margaret Court Arena.

he will bid to extend his perfect record when he meets Cameron Norrie in the third round.