Melbourne Park witnessed a shift in weather and a display of top-tier tennis prowess as the Australian Open entered its fourth day. Under cooler, overcast skies, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance, swiftly defeating Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan with a decisive 6-3, 6-1 victory. The Belarusian, expressing immense satisfaction with her focus and gameplay, advances toward a potential third title in four years.
Simultaneously, Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz prepares for his second-round match against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann. The 22-year-old, already a six-time major winner, aims to conquer the Melbourne hardcourts—the sole missing piece for a career Grand Slam. Achieving this would make him the youngest man in tennis history to secure all four major titles.
The day’s action also features a roster of other contenders. Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev, adopting a renewed positive mindset, faces France’s Quentin Halys. American Coco Gauff, fresh from a straight-sets opening win, is set to meet Serbia’s Olga Danilovic. Alexander Zverev, last year’s runner-up, continues his decade-long pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title against France’s Alexandre Muller.
Early victories were secured by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, both progressing in straight sets. On the men’s side, American Tommy Paul and Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo also navigated their second-round challenges successfully. The evening session promises thrilling matchups for home fans, featuring sixth seed Alex de Minaur and local hope Priscilla Hon.