Carlos Alcaraz has promised to get a kangaroo tattoo if he wins the Australian Open, a victory that would complete his career Grand Slam. The Spanish tennis star made the declaration after overcoming Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2 in the third round, securing a spot in the fourth round where he could face British number one Jack Draper.
The 21-year-old is aiming to become the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam, with the Australian Open being the only major title missing from his collection.
“I will definitely get a kangaroo tattoo if I win here. That’s the plan, it’s the only thing missing, but I’m focused on lifting the trophy first,” Alcaraz said.
The world number three already sports several tattoos, including the date of his 2022 US Open triumph, the Eiffel Tower to mark his 2024 French Open victory, and a strawberry to represent his two Wimbledon titles.
Despite never having progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Melbourne, Alcaraz appeared in top form on Friday, delivering his trademark energetic and dynamic tennis.
“I’m really happy to be playing here again,” Alcaraz said. “I wanted to show my best tennis on such a beautiful court, and after my last loss here, I was determined to win this time.”
Alcaraz’s performance was marked by his usual flair, with the Spaniard seeking to entertain the crowd as much as to secure victories. “It’s a privilege to feel this love. I try to play the tennis I enjoy and give the crowd something special to cheer about,” he added.
The match against Borges was a one-sided affair for the most part, with Alcaraz dominating the opening two sets without facing a single break point. He had expressed satisfaction with his serving earlier in the tournament, humorously writing “am I a servebot?” on the camera lens after his previous win.
However, Alcaraz’s second serve was less effective in this match, winning 57% of his second-serve points, down from 71% in his last outing. A string of unforced errors, totaling 50 for the match, allowed Borges to snatch a tie-break in the third set.
Alcaraz’s errors allowed Borges to take the third set, but the Spaniard regained control in the fourth, wrapping up the match with some dazzling moments, including an incredible no-look winner to break Borges’ serve.
Known for his impassioned play, Alcaraz’s athleticism and shot selection continue to captivate the crowd, and his dominant fourth-set performance ultimately sealed the win and left no doubt of his intentions to keep fighting for the title.
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