The Australian Open 2026 reached a thrilling stage on Sunday as Carlos Alcaraz powered into the men’s quarter-finals with a dominant win, while Novak Djokovic advanced without playing due to his opponent’s withdrawal, underscoring the clash of tennis generations at Melbourne Park.
Alcaraz, the top seed, continued his imperious form at Rod Laver Arena, defeating American Tommy Paul 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 7-5 in a masterclass. The 22-year-old Spaniard, yet to drop a set this year, faces home favorite Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals after the Australian defeated 10th seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets. If Alcaraz can finally surpass the quarter-finals at Melbourne, he would become the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam.
Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, was scheduled to meet Jakub Mensik in the last 16, but the Czech player withdrew due to injury. The 22-time Grand Slam champion now awaits the winner of the clash between American ninth seed Taylor Fritz and Italy’s fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti.
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Germany’s Alexander Zverev and American Learner Tien also booked quarterfinal spots, with Zverev overpowering Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and Tien claiming a surprise three-set victory over Daniil Medvedev. At 20, Tien becomes the youngest men’s quarter-finalist in Melbourne since Nick Kyrgios in 2015.
On the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko 6-1, 7-6 (7/1), setting up a last-eight clash with 18-year-old American Iva Jovic. Sabalenka remains undefeated in the tournament, while Jovic has emerged as a rising star, reaching the quarter-finals without dropping a set.
Third-seeded American Coco Gauff also advanced after a hard-fought 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Karolina Muchova, setting up a quarterfinal against either Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina or 18-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva. Gauff has yet to progress past the semi-finals at Melbourne Park, making this a pivotal stage in her campaign.
The tournament continues to highlight the surge of the next generation, with Alcaraz, Tien, Jovic, and Andreeva making significant impacts alongside established stars like Djokovic, Zverev, and Sabalenka, promising an exciting run to the titles in both draws.
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