Refined serve lifts Alcaraz into Australian Open last eight

January 26, 2026 Oliver Obel

Carlos Alcaraz’s latest run at the Australian Open is being driven by more than just his baseline brilliance. Subtle but sustained changes to his serve are now paying dividends, giving the world number one a reliable platform as he moves deeper into the tournament.

Alcaraz reached the quarter-finals in Melbourne with a straight-sets victory over American 19th seed Tommy Paul, maintaining a perfect set record through the opening rounds. According to BBC Sport’s match report, the win also carried historical significance: it marked his 14th Grand Slam quarter-final, the most achieved by any player in the Open era before turning 23.

Technical work bearing fruit

Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said the serve adjustments he has been refining for months are beginning to feel natural under pressure. He explained that he now monitors his serving efficiency closely during matches and sees it as a growing strength rather than a vulnerability.

“I’m surprising myself to be honest,” Alcaraz said, adding that the serve has become “an important weapon” for him across his four matches so far in Melbourne.

The numbers back that up. Against Paul, Alcaraz landed 70% of his first serves — one of his strongest performances of the tournament — and did not face a single break point in the final two sets.

Match turned after early scare

The Spaniard was briefly tested early on, surrendering his opening service game before regaining control. A tightly contested first-set tie-break was interrupted by a medical emergency in the crowd, halting play for nearly 15 minutes. When action resumed, Alcaraz capitalised on a double fault from Paul to secure the set, before pulling clear to complete a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 7-5 win.

The composed finish reflected a broader trend in his Melbourne campaign: improved serving consistency has allowed him to protect leads and shorten matches, an important factor as the tournament intensifies.

De Minaur next as stakes rise

Alcaraz, who has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, will next face sixth seed Alex de Minaur. The Australian advanced with a dominant straight-sets win over Alexander Bublik, backed by a vocal home crowd.

Victory would move Alcaraz within one match of a potential semi-final against Alexander Zverev, adding further weight to his bid to complete a career Grand Slam.

Zverev confident after injury setbacks

Zverev continued his own strong run by defeating Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets. The German third seed said his physical condition has stabilised after a season disrupted by injuries, allowing him to compete without restriction.

“When I’m healthy, I’m happy on the court and everything becomes a bit easier,” Zverev said.

He will next face American Learner Tien, who produced one of the surprises of the tournament by eliminating former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Sources: BBC Sport