27 January 2017 | Alex Sharp

Dylan Alcott is on the cusp of three consecutive Australian Open quad wheelchair singles titles having navigated through the Round-Robin stage undefeated.

Melbourne’s very own defeated No.2 David Wagner 6-1 7-5 in just over an hour.

“I played pretty well in the first set, and he played really well in the second set as I dropped my level a little,” said defending champion Alcott.

“Yesterday (against Lapthorne) I came out so slow, so I wanted to be aggressive. I really enjoyed it
and it was good to get the win.”

Unfortunately Aussie Heath Davidson has had to withdraw with a rib injury, handing Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne a route to the final.

The clash will be a repeat of the Rio Olympics final and the pair played a Round-Robin match on Thursday, which Alcott clinched 6-4 6-1.

“He was probably my most difficult match this week. We’re good mates, he’s a really good guy. I really like playing him because we have a similar brand of game, with lots of rallies, fast pushing, what I like playing. It will be a good match,” added the No.1 seed.

“I think he’ll be out to get revenge (for Rio 2016). I can’t wait and encourage everyone from Victoria, from Melbourne, to come down to check it out.

Alcott is pleased with his progress and is targeting a treble of titles at Melbourne Park.

“Yeh it would be epic, that’s what I want to do. I’m in good form and I’m just going to try and enjoy it. The more you enjoy it the better you play. Australian Open finals don’t come around every day, you’ve got to enjoy it as you never know if you’ll get another one.”