Carlos Alcaraz moved to within touching distance of a Bjorn Borg record after beating Corentin Moutet in the third round of the Australian Open on Friday in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old Spaniard won in straight sets, strengthened his title push, and underlined why many see him as the defining player of tennis’s next era.
The win matters because it places Alcaraz second only to Borg for the most Grand Slam match victories in the Open Era across a player’s first 100 matches, a benchmark that puts his career start ahead of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer.
What happened in Alcaraz vs Moutet at the Australian Open?
Alcaraz produced a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 victory over France’s Corentin Moutet at Rod Laver Arena in the third round of the Australian Open.
The match lasted just over two hours and showcased Alcaraz’s trademark mix of power, speed, and touch.
CARLOS ALCARAZ.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2026
A stunning between-the-legs “tweener” drew loud applause from the Melbourne crowd and quickly spread across social media.
Carlos Alcaraz has looked sharp since the opening rounds in Melbourne, continuing the strong momentum he showed at the start of the Australian Open 2026.
Key match facts:
- Score: 6-2, 6-4, 6-1
- Duration: 2 hours, 5 minutes
- Winners hit by Alcaraz: 30
- Sets dropped this tournament: 0 (after three rounds)
“I felt calm even when the match got tight,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview, quoted by tournament broadcasters. “I trusted my game and stayed aggressive.”
Why does this win put Alcaraz next to Bjorn Borg?
The significance of the result goes beyond the scoreline. This victory marked Alcaraz’s 87th Grand Slam match win. In the Open Era, only Bjorn Borg won more matches (88) in his first 100 appearances at majors.
Grand Slam wins after first 100 matches (Open Era)
| Player | Grand Slam Wins |
|---|---|
| Bjorn Borg | 88 |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 87 |
| Rafael Nadal | 86 |
| Roger Federer | 80 |
| Novak Djokovic | 79 |
The numbers highlight just how fast Alcaraz has climbed the sport’s highest ladder, and why comparisons to all-time greats keep coming.
How did Moutet try to disrupt Alcaraz?
Moutet brought variety rather than raw power. The Frenchman used slices, drop shots, and sharp angles to pull Alcaraz out of position, forcing him to the net more than 50 times.
For a brief spell in the second set, it worked. Moutet won four games in a row to lead 4-3 and threatened a momentum shift.
Alcaraz responded instantly. He broke back, raised his intensity, and closed out the set before dominating the third with relentless baseline pressure.
This ability to reset mid-match has become one of Alcaraz’s defining strengths.
Who does Alcaraz face next, and what’s at stake?
Alcaraz now moves into the fourth round, where he is set to face American Tommy Paul.
The Australian Open remains the only Grand Slam missing from Alcaraz’s trophy collection. Winning it would make him the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam.
With three straight-set wins already this fortnight, his form suggests he is firmly on track.
How is the UK tennis public reacting?
UK fans and analysts have been quick to praise Alcaraz’s consistency and maturity.
Former British players speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live highlighted his ability to “win ugly” when rallies turn chaotic, a trait often linked with long-term Grand Slam success.
