Alcaraz Faces Someone Younger, Swiatek Streaking At Australian Open Saturday

Carlos Alcaraz will enjoy a first Saturday afternoon at the Australian Open actually facing someone younger than himself for the first time in his pro tour-level career.

Alcaraz will take on the sensational 18-year-old Jerry Shang as both bid for a spot in their first Australian Open fourth round.

Shang just reached the Hong Kong semifinals.

“He’s one of the best players on tour. I’ve watched him the whole year. Basically in 2023 he’s had amazing runs, amazing matches in the Grand Slams,” Shang said.

“For me, again, low expectations. I expect nothing but a really nice crowd.”

Joining Alcaraz today for the finish of the third round are 2-time finalist Daniil Medvedev who faces Felix Auger-Aliassime (Medvedev need five sets a few years ago in Melbourne) and Alexander Zverev who comes off a tough five-setter to battle American 19-year-old Alex Michelson.

Brisbane champion Grigor Dimitrov and fellow former semifinalist Tommy Paul are also in action.

For the women, top seed Iga Swiatek takes a 18-match win streak into a match-up with 19-year-old Linda Noskova.

“I’m ready for every match kind of to be intense. Obviously sometimes it’s more intense with players that are having different styles, but she’s also playing really good and really fast. I’ll be ready,” Swiatek said after recovering against Danielle Collins.

Two-time winner Victoria Azarenka meets Jelena Ostapenko after beating the Latvian a few weeks ago in Brisbane.

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