The Australian Open witnessed a spectacular display of generational talent on Friday as established stars and emerging phenoms battled through contrasting challenges to secure their spots in the fourth round.
Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass performance in his milestone 100th Grand Slam match, dismantling French drop-shot specialist Corentin Moutet 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. The Spanish sensation showcased his extraordinary athleticism with what many are calling the rally of the tournament, chasing down a lob with a between-the-legs ‘tweener’ before threading a precision shot down the line. The victory extended Alcaraz’s unbeaten record against left-handers to 14 matches as he continues his quest to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.
Home favorite Alex de Minaur created history by reaching the last 16 for the fifth consecutive year, joining John Newcombe as only the second Australian to achieve this feat in the professional era. His efficient 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory over American Frances Tiafoe has ignited local hopes for a first men’s champion since Mark Edmondson in 1976. “I’m looking for more and I’m in a position where I want more,” declared an ambitious de Minaur.
The women’s draw saw top contenders tested severely. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survived a monumental scare against Russia-born Austrian Anastasia Potapova, prevailing 7-6(4), 7-6(7) while extending her incredible tiebreak winning streak to 21 consecutive sets. “You have to be there 100% in tiebreaks,” Sabalenka emphasized. “I just take it one point at a time.”
American teenager Coco Gauff demonstrated resilience after dropping her first set of the tournament, rallying to defeat compatriot Hailey Baptiste 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. Meanwhile, the youth movement continued spectacularly as 18-year-old Iva Jovic toppled seventh seed Jasmine Paolini, and 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko defeated 14th seed Clara Tauson to set up a showdown with Sabalenka.
In other notable results, third seed Alexander Zverev continued his dominance over Briton Cameron Norrie with their seventh consecutive meeting victory, while Daniil Medvedev staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. The tournament also saw emotional moments as wily Kazakh Yulia Putintseva ended Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez’s dream run amid intense crowd support from Melbourne’s Turkish community.