The Spaniard – who is chasing a maiden Australian Open title that would give him a career grand slam – crushed 30 winners as he raced around the Rod Laver Arena with youthful exuberance.
It was tough going for Moutet. He lost his opening service game and while he earned a break point later in the set, Alcaraz was too strong, needing 36 minutes to close out the set.
The second set was a closer affair, with Alcaraz running out to 3-0 lead only for Moutet to reel off four consecutive games and wrestle back momentum. Alcaraz thrilled the crowd with a stunning tweener in an electric 16-ball exchange. The 22-year-old went on to win the final three games.
Moutet had a couple more break opportunities in the third, but unforced errors kept him out of the contest as Alcraz wrapped up the match.
The win sees Alcaraz improve to 87-13 at Slam level, tying Bjorn Borg for the best major record after 100 matches. Up next for Alcaraz is 19th seed Tommy Paul, who advanced after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired with the American leading 6-1, 6-1.
“It wasn’t easy,” reflected Alcaraz on court.
“When you play someone like Corentin, you don’t know what’s going to be next. That’s really difficult to approach the match, but I had so much fun with it on the court. I think we both pulled off great shots, great points. I think there were a few highlights in the match. I’m grateful to play this kind of match against him.”
Elsewhere, 11th seed Daniil Medvedev continued his run in Melbourne with a five-set win over Fabian Marozsan.
