Djokovic, Alcaraz, Gauff & Sabalenka Shine in Australian Open Action/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka moved into the fourth round of the Australian Open, maintaining undefeated starts to the season. On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz advanced with impressive performances, while Jessica Pegula faced an upset. Gauff and Sabalenka are on track for a potential semifinal rematch.
Australian Open: Gauff and Sabalenka Dominate, Djokovic Advances
- Gauff’s Streak Continues: Coco Gauff defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-2, extending her 2025 winning streak to 8-0.
- Sabalenka Shines: Aryna Sabalenka defeated Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 6-4, pushing her tournament win streak to 17 matches.
- Men’s Winners: Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Zverev advance; Alcaraz ceded his first set but prevailed 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2.
- Pegula Upset: Jessica Pegula fell to Olga Danilovic 7-6 (3), 6-1.
- Naomi Osaka Withdraws: Osaka retired due to a strained abdominal muscle against Belinda Bencic.
- Potential Rematch: Gauff and Sabalenka could meet in the semifinals next weekend.
Djokovic, Alcaraz, Gauff & Sabalenka Shine in Australian Open Action
Deep Look
The Australian Open continued with thrilling performances and surprises on Friday as Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka secured their places in the fourth round. Both players remain undefeated in 2025, edging closer to a potential semifinal rematch.
Gauff’s Momentum
Coco Gauff, ranked No. 3, maintained her flawless record this season with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Leylah Fernandez. Gauff dominated the match, compiling an 18-7 edge in winners and dropping serve just once.
Gauff’s 2025 season began with a title at the United Cup, and her current form shows no signs of slowing. Reflecting on her improvements, Gauff noted tweaks to her serve and forehand mechanics, adding, “I’m just trying to enjoy it while I’m here.”
Sabalenka Stays Strong
Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending Australian Open champion, also moved forward with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 win over Clara Tauson. Despite struggling with her serve early on, Sabalenka rallied from 5-3 down in the first set. “I told myself, ‘Girl, you are tough,’” Sabalenka said, emphasizing her mental resilience.
Sabalenka will face 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the next round after Andreeva’s 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 win over Magdalena Frech.
Upsets and Withdrawals
The day wasn’t without surprises. Jessica Pegula, the No. 7 seed, was upset by Olga Danilovic, who struck 28 winners en route to a 7-6 (3), 6-1 victory. Pegula’s loss marked Danilovic’s third career win over a top-10 player.
Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion in Melbourne, retired due to an abdominal strain against Belinda Bencic. The injury raises questions about her ability to return to peak form.
Men’s Bracket
On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev secured wins. Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, defeated Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, overcoming mid-match breathing issues. “I think I played really well,” Djokovic said.
Alcaraz advanced past Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2, dropping a set for the first time this tournament. Alexander Zverev and Tommy Paul also moved on with straight-set victories.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina pulled off another remarkable comeback, rallying from two sets down to beat Jakub Mensik 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-2. He became the first player since 2005 to win consecutive Australian Open matches after trailing 0-2 in sets.
Looking Ahead
With dominant performances from Gauff and Sabalenka, anticipation builds for a potential semifinal rematch. Meanwhile, the men’s draw remains competitive, with Djokovic and Alcaraz on course for deeper runs. As the tournament progresses, Melbourne Park continues to deliver drama and excitement.
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