Match Report

Cazaux, 21, surges into fourth round

Young Frenchman next plays Hurkacz

January 20, 2024

AFP/Getty Images

Arthur Cazaux is the sixth man in the past 10 years to reach the Australian Open fourth round on debut.
By ATP Staff

French wild card Arthur Cazaux continued his stunning Australian Open debut Saturday, upsetting 28th seed Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets to charge into the fourth round.

The 21-year-old, who last November served as the alternate at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, did not face a break point en route to a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win, celebrating by high-fiving French fans on Court 3.

Cazaux upset eighth seed Holger Rune in the second round and next will play ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz, who rallied from a set down to defeat 21st seed Ugo Humbert 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-3 in two hours, 47 minutes and equal his best showing at Melbourne Park.

The former junior World No. 4, who played handball as a young boy, won this third ATP Challenger Tour title in Noumea at the beginning of the season.

In December at the Next Gen ATP Finals, Cazaux participated in ‘Basecamp’, a selection of tailored and general challenges measuring physical and athletic skills of participants.

The players undertook four tests: vertical jump, 10-meter sprint, 5-0-5 test and star drill. The winner of all four? Cazaux, who demonstrated his physical capabilities.

“It was interesting to do Basecamp with all my friends. I have good genetics. I always like good physical tests. It was nice to see that I was the best young player between all the countries and the top 21-and-under players. Physicality is one of my good points and it was great to test myself with Basecamp.”