ANKARA
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic reach the Australian Open round 3 in men’s singles, while Czech Jakub Mensik shocked Casper Ruud on Wednesday.
World no.2 Zverev eliminated Spain’s Pedro Martinez 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in round 2.
“Usually I play 7-6 in the fifth, 6-4 in the fifth, four and a half hours, entertain you guys a bit,” said the 27-year-old after his victory.
Brit Jacob Fearnley will be Zverev’s opponent in round 3.
Alcaraz eliminates Nishioka
Alcaraz beat his round 2 opponent, Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka, with 6-0, 6-1, and 6-4 sets in men’s singles.
“The less time you spend on court in the Grand Slams, especially at the beginning of the tournament, it’s going to be better, especially physically,” said the 21-year-old Spaniard.
Alcaraz will face Portuguese Nuno Borges in the next round.
Djokovic sets new record
Novak Djokovic set the record for the most Grand Slam singles matches played with 430 after defeating Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena in round 2.
The 37-year-old Serbian said, “This sport has always been giving me so much in my life, an opportunity to play at the Grand Slams. I try not to take it for granted after great achievements that I’m very proud of.”
“Of course, Grand Slam matches and Grand Slam wins are what count the most in our sport. I’m very thrilled with that,” he added.
Djokovic will take on Czech Tomas Machac in round 3.
Mensik shocks world no. 6 Ruud
After 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca’s win over Andrey Rublev on Tuesday, another teenage player, 19-year-old Mensik, defeated world no. 6 Casper Ruud 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 with 22 aces in men’s singles round 2 at Margaret Court Arena.
He had a dominant performance in the game, winning more than 65% of his total service points against the three-time Grand Slam finalist.
Mensik will face Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in round 3.
Sabalenka passes Bouzas in round 2
Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka passed the women’s singles round 2 by defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas on Wednesday.
“They play good and I have to play better, so this is the way I improve my game, and I love it,” said the Belarusian after her victory with 6-3, 7-5, straight sets.
Sabalenka will face Danish Clara Tauson in the next round.
2023 US Open champion Gauff eliminates Burrage
Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, defeated Brit Jodie Burrage in the women’s singles round 2.
Gauff extended her win streak to seven matches after her 6-3, 7-5 straight victory.
“It was tough,” the 20-year-old said, adding, “She was serving really well so I was just trying to manage that, honestly.”
Gauff will take on Canadian Leylah Fernandez.
2-time Australian Open champion Osaka defeat Muchova
Two-time former champion Naomi Osaka proved too strong for world No.20 Karolina Muchova, defeating her 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in women’s singles round 2.
“It took everything. I felt like I left everything I had on the court,” said the 27-year-old Japanese player, adding, “It means a lot, she’s an incredibly difficult opponent for me to play.”
Her struggle against the Czech lasted nearly two hours.
Osaka will take on Swiss Belinda Bencic in the next round.
Pegula eliminates Mertens
Women’s 7th seed Jessica Pegula eliminated 2018 semifinalist Elise Mertens with a 6-4, 6-2 victory at Margaret Court Arena on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old US player said she was pleased with her level, describing her play as “strategically perfect.”
Serbian Olga Danilovic will be Pegula’s opponent in the next round clash.
36-year-old Siegemund shocks 5th seed Qinwen
Laura Siegemund, 36, stunned Chinese 5th seed Zheng Qinwen in Melbourne Park’s women’s singles round 2 match on Wednesday.
Siegemund eliminated the 22-year-old with 7-6(3) 6-3 sets.
Siegemund will take on Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in round 3.
