Ruud will play British primary Cameron Norrie, who got here via his personal five-setter on Thursday in opposition to Giulio Zeppieri.
“It was an unimaginable match and it may have gone each methods,” Ruud mentioned.
“Max has taken his tennis to a brand new stage and I want him the perfect of success within the 12 months to return.
“He performs quick and is without doubt one of the most unorthodox gamers nowadays. It is powerful. He made it onerous and fortunately ultimately it went in my favour.”
Alcaraz was examined by blustery circumstances and a tough opponent in Sonego however he was in a position to preserve the world quantity 46 at bay within the fourth set tie-break to wrap up victory in three hours and 25 minutes.
It’s simply the second time Alcaraz, a two-time main winner, has reached the third spherical in Melbourne, having missed final 12 months’s event via harm.
“I am actually pleased with my efficiency at this time,” mentioned the Spaniard, who will subsequent face Chinese language wildcard Shang Juncheng.
“I feel each of us performed at a extremely excessive stage, with excessive depth. The match was a little bit bit difficult with the wind and the solar.
“It was powerful to play your finest however we tried to remain there on a regular basis, even when I misplaced the second set.”