Carlos Alcaraz Will Face Alexander Zverev in the Quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2024

When Carlos Alcaraz plays Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, he’ll want to move closer to a possible shootout for the Australian Open championship and the top ranking.

In the second men’s last eight match, third-seeded Daniil Medvedev takes on Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, while Zheng Qinwen of China, ranked 12th, faces Anna Kalinskaya of Russia.

The sixth seed will put Spanish world number two Alcaraz to the test in a night encounter at Rod Laver Arena. Alcaraz has only lost one set in his brief career at Melbourne Park, displaying glimpses of his outstanding best.

In their seven encounters, including their most recent match at the ATP Finals in November, Zverev has won four times.

Nonetheless, Alcaraz, 20, has gained confidence from his Australian performances.

“I’m feeling better and better every match that I’m playing,” he said after an impressive performance in the fourth round against Serbia’s unseeded player Miomir Kecmanovic.

He is aware, meanwhile, that he will be up against a massive German who has experienced two exhausting five-setters.

Alcaraz said, “Obviously, I enjoy playing against him.” It’s a hard struggle every time. I have to give it my all. He challenges me to give it my all each and every time.

Alcaraz hopes to join Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander as the third man in the Open Era to win three Grand Slams before turning twenty-one.

Additionally, he has the opportunity to surpass Novak Djokovic as the top seed in the world, but only if he defeats Zverev. If he advances, he will face either ninth seed Hurkacz or Medvedev in the semifinals.

Medvedev, a Russian, is hoping to make it to the Australian Open final for the third time in the previous four years. He has a strong recent record there.

He describes his opponent’s devastating serve as one of the “top two or three on tour,” so he is cautious. Hurkacz is up 3-2 in head-to-head matches.

In the upper part of the women’s draw, seeds have fallen, leaving Zheng as the only one remaining.

The 21-year-old, who was inspired by her countryman Li Na’s victory in Australia in 2014, received encouragement when she had her first in-person conversation with the retiring Chinese celebrity in Melbourne.

The opening match takes place on center court and features Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine, a qualifier, taking against unseeded Czech player Linda Noskova, who upset top seed Iga Swiatek.

Along with her impressive record of victories, Yastremska has also defeated two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka and Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.