Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne

Melbourne, Jan 21: World number one Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday with a straight-sets win over Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, continuing his bid to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a six-time Grand Slam champion, overcame some early resistance from Hanfmann before asserting control of the match and setting up a clash with France’s Corentin Moutet in the next round.

Off the court, Alcaraz has been making the most of his time in Australia by indulging in another passion — golf — alongside one of his biggest idols, Roger Federer. Speaking after his win, Alcaraz heaped praise on the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s golfing abilities.

“It’s as beautiful as his tennis,” Alcaraz said, revealing that Federer has already beaten him on the golf course despite playing the sport for a much shorter time. “I’ve been playing for five years and he already beat me, so yeah that hurts,” he added with a smile.

The Spaniard said he was not surprised by Federer’s natural elegance away from tennis. “Everything he does, he does with style. His swing is really beautiful. He’s only been playing golf for about two years, and his level is incredible for that time,” Alcaraz said.

While his focus remains firmly on progressing deep into the Australian Open, Alcaraz admitted he is keen to squeeze in more golf during his days off. “We try to make the most of our days off, balancing practice with recovery if the body allows it. I don’t even know yet if I’ll practice tomorrow — I need to talk to my team. Obviously, I want to be better for the next round, but the golf courses are waiting as well,” he said.

Against Hanfmann, a player 12 years his senior who is yet to win a career title, Alcaraz took time to find his rhythm before wearing down the German with his superior consistency and shot-making to seal a comfortable victory.