Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the round of 16 of the Australian Open for the first time after Shang Juncheng retired.
Alcaraz was leading 6-1, 6-1, 1-0 before his 18-year-old opponent retired due to injury.
‘’It is not the way anyone wants to move on,” Alcaraz said post-match.
“First of all, I want to wish him a speedy recovery. He is an amazing player. He started the year unbelievable.’’
The win means Alcaraz has now reached the fourth round of each of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
As the second seed in Melbourne, the Spaniard is on course to meet world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the final, which would result in a shootout for the top ranking.
‘’I'm feeling great," Alcaraz said.
"Probably a seven or eight [out of 10]. It's a high note. But that's how I feel.
‘’I think I'm improving every day. Every match that I'm playing, I'm feeling better and better.
‘’Moving, hitting the ball, and, of course, I'm getting used to this court as well.
"I didn't play so much on this court. I think everything is good. I am taking good things from the court, from the level that I'm playing.
‘’Hopefully it's going to be better and better.’’
Alcaraz will take on Miomir Kecmanovic, who knocked out the No. 14 seed Tommy Paul in an epic five set battle during their third round clash, in the fourth round on Monday.
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