Spanish No.2 seed Carlos Alcaraz needed to snicker on the thought that at present was the primary time he has performed somebody youthful than himself in skilled tennis.
Alcaraz, 20, confronted Juncheng Shang, 18, on Rod Laver Area and sadly Shang known as time within the third set after battling a quad damage.
The 20-year-old world No. 2 advances to the second week of the Australian Open for the primary time.
“I wish to want him a speedy restoration. He’s an incredible participant,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“I used to be trying ahead to taking part in this match, I do know we each needed to play a protracted match.”
Alcaraz laughed on the query about dealing with a younger participant.
“Tennis is rising and extra younger gamers are arising,” Alcaraz mentioned with amusing.
“I’m glad to lastly play towards a younger participant.”
At all times elegant, Carlos Alcaraz was clapping from the aspect of the court docket as Juncheng Shang left Rod Laver Area after retiring harm from their third spherical encounter.