Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated his dominance by overwhelming unseeded Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, securing a spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals on January 22. Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev continued his pursuit of a third final in four years.
The Spanish second seed, engaged in a fierce battle with Novak Djokovic for the world number one spot, showcased remarkable baseline hitting at Rod Laver Arena to dispatch Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 in just one hour and 49 minutes. Alcaraz, a two-time Grand Slam winner, is now set to face sixth seed Alexander Zverev as he vies for both the top ranking and the Melbourne crown.
Having missed last year’s Australian Open due to injury, the 20-year-old Alcaraz has dropped only one set in Melbourne, surpassing his previous third-round best. Reflecting on his performance, he stated, “I pushed him to the limit in every ball, every point,” acknowledging Kecmanovic’s physical fatigue from previous tough matches.
Zverev, the sixth seed, encountered a stern challenge from British 19th seed Cameron Norrie but managed to prevail in a grueling match lasting over four hours. Zverev’s 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (10/3) victory showcased his resilience, and he now looks ahead to clinching his first Grand Slam title, having amassed 54 winners, including 15 aces.
‘Feeling 100%’
Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev faced a formidable challenge from Portugal’s Nuno Borges, eventually triumphing 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-1 after a marathon match lasting over three hours. The 27-year-old will now go head-to-head with Polish ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz for a coveted spot in the Australian Open semi-finals. Despite feeling fatigued in the third set, Medvedev managed to elevate his energy levels in the fourth set.
Hurkacz, known for his powerful serve, put an end to the impressive run of French wildcard Arthur Cazaux with a 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 victory, securing his first quarter-final appearance in Melbourne.
In the women’s singles, Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska displayed resilience by saving two set points in the first set and coming from a break down in the second to defeat two-time champion Victoria Azarenka 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. Yastremska is set to face unseeded Czech Linda Noskova, who advanced when Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina retired due to a back issue while trailing 3-0 in the first set.
Reflecting on her intense match, Yastremska said, “I need to take a little bit of time to breathe because my heart I feel is going to jump out of my body.” Noskova, ranked 50th in the world, is enjoying a breakthrough tournament, including a notable victory against world number one Iga Swiatek in the third round.
Meanwhile, Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen dominated unseeded French player Oceane Dodin with a 6-0, 6-3 victory. She is set to face unseeded Russian Anna Kalinskaya, who defeated Italian 26th seed Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-2.
