The Australian Open 2026 witnessed a dramatic day of tennis action on Sunday, January 25, with several high-profile matches and surprising results shaping the men’s and women’s quarterfinal draws.
Carlos Alcaraz books QF spot
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz overcame a stern challenge from 19th seed Tommy Paul to reach his third consecutive Australian Open quarterfinal. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a six-time Grand Slam champion, defeated Paul 7-6(6), 6-4, 7-5 in a two-hour, 44-minute battle on Rod Laver Arena. Alcaraz showcased resilience in the opening set, recovering from an early break to clinch the tiebreak 8-6. He then maintained control with a crucial break in the second set and sealed victory with a blistering 214 kmph serve, his fastest of the match. Still yet to drop a set in Melbourne, Alcaraz is chasing his maiden Australian Open crown, which would complete his Career Grand Slam and make him the youngest player to achieve the feat, surpassing Rafael Nadal. He will next face home favourite Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.
Djokovic advances via walkover
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, progressed to his 16th Australian Open quarterfinal after Czech teenager Jakub Mensik withdrew with an abdominal injury. Their clash had been highly anticipated, especially after Mensik defeated Djokovic in the 2025 Miami Open final to claim his first Masters 1000 title. The walkover means Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, remains unbeaten in sets at Melbourne Park this year. The 38-year-old Serb also equalled Roger Federer’s record of 102 match wins at the tournament. Djokovic now awaits the winner of Lorenzo Musetti versus Taylor Fritz for his next challenge as he continues his pursuit of a record 25th major trophy.
Medvedev stunned by Tien
In one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, world No. 11 Daniil Medvedev crashed out in the fourth round, losing to 25th seed Learner Tien in straight sets. The American dominated 6-4, 6-0, 6-3 in just over an hour, leaving Medvedev unable to find rhythm or consistency. Tien reeled off 11 consecutive games at one stage, exploiting Medvedev’s weak serving performance, where the Russian won only 33% of points on his second serve. This marks one of Medvedev’s earliest exits in recent years, while Tien advances to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, where he will face world No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
De Minaur delights home crowd
Australia’s Alex de Minaur thrilled local fans with a commanding 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Alexander Bublik.
The world No. 6 capitalized on Bublik’s serving struggles to secure his second consecutive Australian Open quarterfinal. De Minaur, aiming to become the first Australian men’s singles champion since Mark Edmondson in 1976, now faces Alcaraz in a blockbuster quarterfinal clash.
Sabalenka marches on
On the women’s side, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Victoria Mboko 6-1, 7-6(1) to reach her 13th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal and fourth straight at Melbourne.
The two-time Australian Open champion extended her remarkable streak of 20 consecutive Grand Slam tiebreak wins, surpassing Novak Djokovic’s record of 19. Despite faltering late in the second set and missing three match points, Sabalenka regrouped to dominate the tiebreak.
She will next face American Iva Jovic, who stunned Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1 to reach her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal.