Major flex: Carlos Alcaraz routs Yoshihito Nishioka in 81 minutes in Australian Open second round

Carlos Alcaraz had plenty to smile about after a straightforward second-round victory at the Australian Open, breezing past Yoshihito Nishioka, 6-0, 6-1, 6-4.

“I think the less time I spend on court at the Grand Slams, especially at the beginning of the tournament, it’s going to be better,” explained the No. 3 seed after 81 minutes on Margaret Court Arena. “Physically I’m feeling great, but I just tried to be focus and spend as little time as I can.”

The former world No. 1 made things more complicated in his first round against Alexander Shevchenko, going nearly two hours against the unseeded Kazakh, but was far more efficient on Wednesday, crediting an improved serve that yielded 14 aces and 89% of points won off his first serve.

“I’m really happy with the serve today. It’s something that I worked in the pre-season,” said Alcaraz, who is on track to face 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in what would be a blockbuster quarterfinal.

“I wasn’t too happy with the serve in the first round, I was more focused on the serve in practice. I spent more time just serving with Juan Carlos and my team. It’s something I want to be better so I’m glad that today it worked pretty well.”

Along with the metaphorical flex came some literal flexing from the part-time model, who has been channeling Rafael Nadal with a sleeveless fit on court in Melbourne.

“I think my fitness coach is happy with my biceps. A lot of people told me about it, and I’m happy to hear it!”

Beyond winning Best Dressed, Alcaraz has a keen eye towards winning the Australian Open, which would make him the ninth (and the youngest) man to capture a Career Grand Slam.

“That’s one of the reasons I really want to win this tournament one day, just to be able to put my name on this short list,” said Alcaraz. “I’m here and working every day just to be ready for that time. Hopefully this year, two weeks could be long but I’m taking it day by day. Let’s see how it’s going to feel but what I’m thinking about is the next round and then let’s go further.”

Standing between the No. 3 and a spot in the second week will be either No. 27 seed Jordan Thompson or Nuno Borges.