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Alcaraz Survives Epic 78-Minute First Set to Advance at Australian Open

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz overcame a major test from Yannick Hanfmann, battling through the longest first set of his Grand Slam career to win in straight sets. The 78-minute opening set saw Alcaraz rally from a break down and save critical break points before taking the tie-break. He then improved his level, dominating the final two sets to secure a third-round berth. The victory keeps Alcaraz on track in his quest to complete a career Grand Slam.

Key Points: Alcaraz Wins Longest Slam First Set, Advances at Australian Open

  • Survived 78-minute first set
  • Won in straight sets 7-6, 6-3, 6-2
  • Saved multiple break points
  • Chasing career Grand Slam
  • Faces qualifier or seed next
2 min read

Alcaraz survives longest first set of his career at a major to move into Aus Open third round

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz survives a marathon 78-minute first set against Yannick Hanfmann to reach the Australian Open third round in straight sets.

"Really, really happy that I got through a really difficult first set - Carlos Alcaraz"

Melbourne, Jan 21

In a bid to complete a career Grand Slam, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz battled back from a break down in a thrilling 78-minute opening set against Yannick Hanfmann to record his second straight-sets victory at the Australian Open here on Wednesday.

The top seed was put to the test by Hanfmann at Rod Laver Arena before triumphing 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-2 in 2 hours and 44 minutes to clinch his second win this year in Melbourne

Alcaraz played the longest first set of his career at the Slams when Hanfmann led 3-1 in the first set and saved two break points at 5-5, later building a 4/3 lead in the tie-break before Alcaraz rattled off four straight points at the Rod Laver Arena. The 34-year-old German was seeking to become the first player outside the Top 100 of the ATP Rankings to defeat Alcaraz at a major.

"Really, really happy that I got through a really difficult first set, and then I started to feel a little bit better on the court with my shots. Tactically I played much, much better, so I'm just happy to have played at a really good level at the end of the match and get through to another round," Alcaraz said.

After facing three break points in his first two service games, Alcaraz did not allow another break chance until he fought off four in the final game of the match. He hit 11 aces in the victory, including four in a row in his opening service game of the final set, ATP reports.

The 22-year-old is seeking to become the youngest man in history to complete the career Grand Slam in singles and the youngest in the Open Era to win seven major singles titles.

The Spaniard is two wins away from matching his best Australian Open result: quarterfinal runs in each of the past two years. He will next meet qualifier Michael Zheng or 32nd seed Corentin Moutet in the third round.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The hunger to become the youngest to complete the career Grand Slam is driving him. He's so young but plays with such maturity. The future of tennis is in good hands.
V
Vikram M
Respect to Hanfmann though. At 34, ranked outside top 100, he pushed the world number 1 to the limit in that first set. Shows the depth in men's tennis. Alcaraz was just too good in the end.
P
Priya S
His post-match comments show great humility. "Started to feel a little bit better" after surviving that marathon. That's the sign of a champion who adapts. Wishing him luck from India! We need a new young champion to inspire our kids.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, while the win is impressive, I feel the article is a bit too focused on records and 'youngest ever' stats. The real story was the battle itself. The four aces in a row to start the final set? That's where he broke Hanfmann's spirit. More on the tennis, less on the future milestones, please.
M
Michael C
The physicality required for these long sets is unbelievable. Makes you appreciate the fitness of these athletes. Alcaraz's recovery after that first set to win in straight sets is a masterclass in match management.

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