Aryna Sabalenka reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the fourth year in a row, and Carlos Alcaraz also advanced this Sunday. Daniil Medvedev’s campaign ended in Melbourne.
Third seed Coco Gauff reached her third consecutive quarterfinals by beating Karolina Muchova 6-1 3-6 6-3 at Margaret Court Arena. Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur also advanced.
After the strong heat of the previous day, milder temperatures brought relief to players, the public and the tournament organization.
In the men’s tournament, the 16 finalists were all seeded for the first time in the professional era of Grand Slams.
Number one in the world, Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul 7-6(6), 6-4 and 7-5, at Rod Laver Arena. The Spaniard maintained his favorable record against the American in Slams.
“I think the best way to describe it is that he suffocates you,” Paul said of Alcaraz.
“He makes you feel like you don’t have time.”
Alcaraz faces Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals. The Australian beat Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 and reached the second quarterfinal in a row in Melbourne.
“I’m very satisfied with my level and excited for the next game,” said De Minaur.
“I’m going to have to go all out and I’m excited for the battle against Carlitos.”
Sabalenka racking up victories
Two-time champion and favorite, Sabalenka opened the morning program and beat Canadian Victoria Mboko, 19 years old, 6-1 and 7-6(1).
The world number one dominated the first set in 31 minutes and took a 4-1 lead in the second, before Mboko reacted, who led 6-5.
Sabalenka regained control and achieved her 20th consecutive Grand Slam tie-break victory, surpassing her record of 19 between 2005 and 2007.
“I’m upset now,” he joked in response to a post on X about Sabalenka’s achievement.
The Belarusian praised her young opponent. “It’s incredible to see these kids coming to the circuit,” said the leader in the rankings, who has reached 13 consecutive quarterfinals in Grand Slams.
In the quarterfinals, Sabalenka faces 18-year-old American Iva Jovic, who beat Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1, two days after eliminating Jasmine Paolini.
Advance in the tournament
Alexander Zverev, runner-up in 2024, beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 and remains in contention for his first Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals without playing after the withdrawal of Jakub Mensik, who withdrew due to an abdominal injury before the fourth round clash.
In the women’s match, Gauff wasted three match points before closing out the match against Muchova. In the quarterfinals, she faces Elina Svitolina.
“She really raised the bar, and I think I was a little passive at times,” Gauff said.
“I don’t think I panicked today… I knew I needed to take advantage of my chances in the third set and I did that.”
Weddant
Three-time runner-up, Medvedev was defeated again by Learner Tien. The Russian lost 6-4, 6-0, 6-3 to the American, at Melbourne Park.
“He played very well, super aggressive. Even when I made good balls, he responded with even better ones,” said Medvedev.
“I didn’t find many solutions today on the court, which is rare, and I have rarely felt like this in my life.”
