Australian Open: Alcaraz jokes 'don't beat me' to teenage sensations

Carlos Alcaraz joked "don't beat me" when asked about the advice he would give the teenagers making their mark at the Australian Open.

The four-time major winner booked his place in the fourth round at Melbourne Park on Friday with a 6-2 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-2 victory over world number 33 Nuno Borges.

Alcaraz, who is aiming to become the youngest man to win the career grand slam this fortnight, has avoided the carnage of the earlier rounds, which saw some high-profile examples of youth triumphing over experience.

Ninth seed Andrey Rublev was sent packing by 18-year-old Joao Fonseca in round one, while three-time major finalist Casper Ruud was ousted by 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in the second.

Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev – a three-time runner-up in Melbourne – was then beaten by 19-year-old Learner Tien in a fifth-set tie-break on Thursday.

Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz certainly knows what it takes to make an impact from a young age.

The 21-year-old is only the fourth man in the Open Era to win 10 singles matches at each of the four majors before turning 22, after Mats Wilander, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

"What advice [would I give them]? Don't beat me, I guess!" he laughed. "I don't know. I see them capable of beating anyone, including myself, so they have the level. I'm talking like I'm 30 years old, I'm just two years older than them!

"I didn't know too much about Tien, for example, but I watched a little bit [of his match] last night, and it was incredible. I was surprised a little bit about his level. I don't know what ranking they are going to reach, but they have a lot of potential.

"Last night, we saw Tien beating Medvedev here in Australia in five sets, which was amazing; Fonseca played his first five-sets match yesterday, as well [against Lorenzo Sonego].

"While they are getting experience, they're going to become even more dangerous. Let's see in the future."

Carlos is cooler than the other side of the pillow@bondisands • #StayCool • #BondiSands • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/YvGQ4J8SU2

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2025