Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Australian Open Fourth Round
Teenage Wildcard Shang Juncheng Withdraws Due to Injury
Alcaraz Comfortably Advances After Shang's Retirement
Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the second week of the Australian Open for the first time in his career after teenage wildcard Jerry Shang withdrew from their third-round match due to a right leg injury.
Shang, who had stunned seventh seed Daniil Medvedev in the first round, was forced to retire after just five games in their match on Friday. Alcaraz had won the first set 6-2 and was leading 2-3 in the second when Shang decided he could not continue.
The withdrawal of Shang means that Alcaraz will now face third seed Casper Ruud in the fourth round on Sunday. Ruud reached the fourth round by defeating American Ben Shelton in straight sets on Friday.
Alcaraz has been in impressive form at the Australian Open so far, having not dropped a set in his three matches. He will be confident of continuing his run into the second week and potentially beyond.
Conclusion
Alcaraz's victory over Shang is another sign of his growing maturity and development as a player. He is now one of the favorites to win the Australian Open and will be looking to make a deep run into the tournament.
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