Australian Open Day 8 Wrap: Djokovic Sets Up Alcaraz Clash, Sabalenka Surges Into Quarters
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka showcased their championship form, setting the stage for a series of exciting quarterfinal matches. Djokovic, the tournament’s defending champion, cruised to a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Czech 24th seed Jiri Lehecka in a prime-time clash on Rod Laver Arena.
The 37-year-old Serb’s performance marked his fourth consecutive straight-sets win, and he appears to be gaining momentum as he pursues an unprecedented 11th title in Melbourne and a historic 25th Grand Slam trophy.
On the hottest day of the tournament, with temperatures soaring to 34 degrees Celsius, Djokovic’s path to the quarterfinals was complemented by the premature exit of Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz’s opponent. Alcaraz advanced when Britain’s Jack Draper retired due to injury while trailing 7-5, 6-1. Draper, who had battled through three previous five-set matches, succumbed to a hip injury he described as a “ticking time bomb.”
The upcoming clash between Djokovic and Alcaraz promises to be a thrilling encounter. The two have faced off seven times previously, with Djokovic holding a slight edge at 4-3. Notably, they have never met at Melbourne Park, where Djokovic has enjoyed unparalleled success.
In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka continued to assert her dominance with a ruthless 6-1, 6-2 victory over 17-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva. The world No. 1’s win, completed in just 62 minutes, marked her 18th consecutive victory at Melbourne Park.
Sabalenka, who faced challenges with her serve earlier in the tournament, displayed a commanding performance as the temperatures rose, sending a chilling warning to her rivals.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is on a collision course with in-form American Coco Gauff, the world No. 3, in a highly anticipated semifinal, provided both players win their quarterfinal matches. Gauff, who extended her unbeaten streak to 13 matches, fought back from a set down to defeat Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.
Gauff will face Spain’s 11th seed Paula Badosa, who has expressed her desire for “revenge” against Gauff, having lost both of their meetings in 2024.
