Carlos Alcaraz is set for an interesting clash with Corentin Moutet in the Australian Open third round.
Alcaraz is experimenting with changes at the Australian Open and so far it has worked against Adam Walton and Yannick Hanfmann.
The world number one is yet to drop a set in Melbourne ahead of his third round tie with world number 36.
Moutet has opened up about how he plans to deal with Alcaraz as they meet for the first time in their careers.
Corentin Moutet says he could ‘surprise’ Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open
Moutet has defeated Tristan Schoolkate and Michael Zheng in his first two matches, but he is set for his toughest match yet against Alcaraz.
Despite their disparity in the rankings, the Frenchman believes he could shock Alcaraz in their first meeting.
Speaking to the ATP Tour, Moutet revealed: “I never practised with him and never played against him, so it will be a surprise, I think, even for him. I’m trying not to overthink how it will be.
Rate Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of winning the Australian Open out of 10
“I’m just going to come on the court with my game style, with all the work we did with my team to be ready for these matches. I feel healthy. Let’s see, but for sure it’s going to be fun. Nice points, I guess.
“He is very physical and talented as well, so it’s going to be interesting. Let’s see how I can deal with it. He’s a very nice guy and a great player. One of the best, I think along with Jannik [Sinner].
“They are the two best players at the moment. I’ve really wanted to play against him because I want to see the highest level on the Tour.
“I’m working hard to reach this level, so it’s always interesting to see what’s going on there and how they play. So I’m curious and very happy to play against him.”
Moutet has never reached as far as the third round of the Australian Open, having previously reached this stage in 2025.
Carlos Alcaraz and Corentin Moutet will break 20-year streak at the Australian Open
Moutet crept into the Australian Open as the last seed after withdrawals from the likes of Jack Draper and Holger Rune.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, is the top seed at the Melbourne event thanks to his world number one ranking on the ATP Tour.
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This will be the first time the first seed has played the last seed in two decades, since the 2006 Roland Garros.
Roger Federer’s match against Nicolas Massu at the clay court Grand Slam was the last time the rarity happened.
32 seeds for Grand Slams was introduced for the 2001 season and Alcaraz vs Moutet will be just the second time the top and bottom seed play each other at a major.
