Novak Djokovic expresses optimism about his performance at the Australian Open as he vies for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, aiming to surpass Margaret Court’s record. In the quarterfinals, the 36-year-old Serb faces American Taylor Fritz, whom he defeated in all eight previous encounters.
After initially grappling with illness and enduring lengthy matches, Djokovic rebounded with a commanding 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 victory over Adrian Mannarino. This win matched Roger Federer’s record of reaching 58 Slam quarterfinals. Fritz, determined to elevate his game against Djokovic, anticipates a more competitive encounter based on his recent strong performance against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
In another marquee match on Tuesday, Italy’s Jannik Sinner (fourth seed) clashes with Russia’s Andrey Rublev (fifth seed). Sinner maintains a flawless record, securing a 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 triumph over Karen Khachanov, while Rublev extinguished local hope Alex de Minaur’s aspirations.
The women’s singles quarterfinals feature defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and rising star Coco Gauff as the sole top-eight seeds remaining. Sabalenka expresses her determination to retain the title, setting the stage for a potential semi-final clash with Gauff should they both advance.
Sabalenka, 25, faces Barbora Krejcikova (ninth seed), who eliminated 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva. Gauff, through to her first Australian Open quarter-final, confronts Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, seeking to extend her impressive run.
The mixed doubles quarterfinal showcases an all-British encounter between Heather Watson, Joe Salisbury, and Neal Skupski, partnering with American Desirae Krawczyk.
As the wheelchair events commence, men’s champion Alfie Hewett seeks victory against Japan’s Takashi Sanada, while Gordon Reid faces Maikel Scheffers. Lucy Shuker challenges Dutch top seed Diede de Groot in the women’s event, and Gregory Slade and Andy Lapthorne compete in the quad wheelchair singles.
The Australian Open promises continued excitement and challenges as players vie for glory across various categories.
