No. 1 Alcaraz overcomes Hanfmann at Australian Open 2nd round

MELBOURNE, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz withstood the early power of German veteran Yannick Hanfmann before finding his range to advance into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Alcaraz is yet to hit top gear, but has not dropped a set so far in the tournament after his 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-2 win in two hours and 44 minutes.

"I knew he was going to play great. I'm really happy to get through a really difficult first set and then played much better," said Alcaraz, who hit 41 winners.

The six-time Grand Slam champion made a shaky start in warm conditions on Rod Laver Arena and trailed 3-1 in the first set before fighting back and taking the tiebreak.

Alcaraz then found his rhythm and produced a series of highlight shots, including a topspin forehand volley in the third set that drew loud approval from the crowd.

The 22-year-old is chasing the only Grand Slam title that has eluded him, having never progressed past the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park.

He will face 32nd seed Corentin Moutet or qualifier Michael Zheng in the third round. ■