NBA Roundup: Pelicans Crush Hornets, Set 3-Point Record

On Thursday, January 18, Carlos Alcaraz from Spain advanced to the third round of the men’s singles after a hard-fought victory against Italian Lorenzo Sonega. The match, held at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park, saw Alcaraz clinch a win with scores of 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-3). His next opponent will be Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng, who earned his spot in the third round by defeating Indian player Sumit Nagal.

Alcaraz began the match strongly, securing the first set 6-4. However, Sonega, displaying considerable energy and skill, took the second set in a tiebreaker, winning 7-6 (7-3). Alcaraz responded by winning the third set 6-3, regaining his momentum. The fourth set proved to be intense, going to a tiebreaker where Alcaraz ultimately triumphed.

The match was closely contested, with Alcaraz edging out Sonega in aces (12-10) but finding stiff competition in service points (98-93) and game points won (21-18). Alcaraz, a two-time Grand Slam title holder, now prepares to face Juncheng, who advanced to the third round with a notable victory over Nagal, with set scores of 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.