World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz extended his unbeaten season to 14-0 on Monday, rallying from a set and a break down to defeat France’s Arthur Rinderknech 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-2.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who recently became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, overcame a slow start to secure his sixth career win over the big-serving Frenchman.
“I got in trouble, to be honest,” Alcaraz admitted. “But I’m just really happy with the way I stayed strong mentally.”
While Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (who survived a three-set scare against Aleksandar Kovacevic) advanced, the tournament saw a mass exodus of top-10 talent.
Alex de Minaur (6), Taylor Fritz (7), and Alexander Bublik (10) were all eliminated.
Defending champion Jack Draper reached the fourth round for the first time since June following an injury layoff; he faces Djokovic next.
