Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz dispatches Corentin Moutet to reach the fourth round

Carlos Alcaraz’s third-round bout at the 2026 Australian Open on Friday (23 January) was, for the most part, routine at the Rod Laver Arena.

The top seeded tennis star dispatched France’s Corentin Moutet in straight sets: 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.

From breaking serve in the first game of the opening set, the Spaniard powered on to put real distance between him and his opponent.

At 5-1, the set was only ever going to one player, even with the Frenchman hitting back to make it 5-2.

Serving for the set, Alcaraz oozed confidence, hitting the ball between his legs with his back to the net and landing the effort at one point.

Unsurprisingly, he fended off a late push from Moutet to see out the set and take one step towards a spot in the next round.

Alcaraz started the second set in similar fashion, winning three games in quick succession, breaking serve twice to assert his dominance.

There was a glimmer of hope for Moutet, as the 32nd seed forced his way in front with four consecutive games falling in his favour.

But he was unable to maintain that surge of energy, as Alcaraz went on to show exactly why he is the world No. 1 by coming from behind, unfazed, to win the set.

Australian Open 2026: All results, full set scores

Needing just one more set to book a fourth-round spot, the Spanish superstar found his groove on court by playing into a 4-0 lead, the pair deploying an array of different shots.

Moutet pulled one back, but it was never in doubt for Alcaraz, bringing to an end what was an entertaining two-hour contest in the Melbourne sun.

“It wasn’t easy, to be honest,” the Spaniard said on court. “When you play someone like Corentin, you don’t know what’s going to be next so it’s difficult to approach.

“I had so much fun on the court as you could see. I think we both pulled off great shots, great points. I think there were a few highlights in the match.

“I’m just grateful to play these kind of matches, I’m happy that I was able to play against him.

Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul in the next round.

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