Alcaraz, Sabalenka and Medvedev reach Australian Open last 16
World number ones Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka booked their places in the Australian Open fourth round in Melbourne on Friday, joined by Daniil Medvedev and Coco Gauff as the tournament gathered pace under intense summer heat. Medvedev led the headlines by recovering from two sets and a break down to reach the last 16, underlining his reputation for marathon battles.
“It was about staying calm and fighting for every point,” Medvedev said after his comeback win. Sabalenka, chasing another Melbourne title, added: “At this stage you can’t think about comfort — you have to compete.” Gauff also advanced, saying she was “happy to manage tough moments”.
Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka apologised after an incident during her win over Sorana Cirstea, while organisers confirmed day seven matches will start earlier with temperatures forecast to reach 41°C, raising the possibility of suspensions under the heat policy.
Several top seeds, including Alex de Minaur and Alexander Zverev, remain in action as the second week approaches.