World No. 1s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka Reach Quarterfinals
The first Grand Slam of the year has not produced major upsets so far, with top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka advancing to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. Meanwhile, Russian Daniil Medvedev was eliminated by American Leonard Tien.
Leonard Tien’s Historic Run Continues
At 20 years old, Tien became the youngest player to reach the quarterfinals in Melbourne since Australian Nick Kyrgios in 2015. Tien will face the reigning runner-up Alexander Zverev on Tuesday.
Novak Djokovic Secures Quarterfinal Spot
Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals without playing, benefiting from the injury withdrawal of Czech Jakub Mensik.
Alcaraz Equals His Best in Melbourne
Carlos Alcaraz, six-time Grand Slam champion, dominated American Tommy Paul 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 7-5 in his first high-level test of the tournament. The Murcian reached his best position in Melbourne, quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025, without losing a single set.
“Overall, it’s been high-level tennis from both sides; I’m very happy to have won in straight sets,” said Alcaraz.
His quarterfinal opponent will be Australian Alex de Minaur, who defeated Kazakh Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 to reach his second consecutive quarterfinal at the Australian Open.
No Surprises in Early Stages
Despite Tien’s victory, the Australian Open has not seen major upsets so far, with all 16 octofinalists being top seeds—a rare occurrence in Grand Slam history since the professional era began in 1968.
Zverev defeated Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. Cerúndolo’s loss marks his exit from the tournament.
Sabalenka Dominates Mboko
In the women’s draw, promising Canadian Victoria Mboko was stopped by reigning queen Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 7-6 (7/1).
After failing to break Mboko twice in the opening game, Sabalenka’s power proved too much for the Canadian. Despite trailing 4-1 in the second set, Mboko managed to force a tie-break but ultimately lost 6/0.
Sabalenka will face American Iva Jovic (27th) in the quarterfinals, who defeated Kazakh Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1.
Jovic Emerges as Tournament Sensation
At 18, Jovic is one of the tournament’s revelations, advancing to her first Grand Slam quarterfinals and defeating world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini.
Gauff Overcomes Muchova; Svitolina Advances
Defending US Open and Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff struggled against Czech Karolina Muchova before winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Gauff acknowledged Muchova’s improved play in the second set.
Gauff will face Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (12th) in the quarterfinals after Svitolina defeated Russian Mirra Andreeva (7th) 6-2, 6-4.
Svitolina, still undefeated in 2026, extended her winning streak to nine matches following her victory at the WTA 250 in Auckland earlier this month.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the top seeds advancing in the Australian Open? Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka reached the quarterfinals.
- Who eliminated Daniil Medvedev? American Leonard Tien defeated Medvedev.
- Who will Leonard Tien face in the quarterfinals? Tien will play Alexander Zverev.
- Who are the quarterfinal opponents for Carlos Alcaraz? Alex de Minaur is Alcaraz’s quarterfinal opponent.
- Who defeated Victoria Mboko in the women’s draw? Aryna Sabalenka eliminated Mboko.
- Who will Iva Jovic face in the quarterfinals? Jovic will play Aryna Sabalenka.
- Who advanced despite losing a set in her match? Coco Gauff defeated Karolina Muchova after dropping the second set.
- Who is Elina Svitolina’s next opponent? Svitolina will face Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals.
