Alcaraz And Sabalenka Survive Scares At Australian Open
Melbourne is buzzing as the Australian Open 2026 delivers another day packed with drama, upsets, and star power on the courts. With world number ones Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz both advancing, fans were treated to a showcase of resilience, flair, and a few surprises that will be talked about for days to come.
Let’s start with the men’s draw, where Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked player, cruised into the fourth round after dispatching Corentin Moutet in straight sets—6-2, 6-4, 6-1. The Spaniard was in full entertainer mode, dazzling the Rod Laver Arena crowd with between-the-legs shots, drop shots, and electric rallies that had the stands buzzing. Moutet, for his part, brought his own flair, mixing in cheeky underarm serves and audacious drop shots, but it wasn’t enough to derail Alcaraz’s determined march.
From the get-go, Alcaraz imposed his will, breaking Moutet’s serve in the opening game of each set. The Frenchman fought valiantly, saving multiple break points and even drawing applause for his sportsmanship—doffing his cap and bowing to the fans after a particularly entertaining exchange. Still, Alcaraz’s relentless aggression and ability to shift gears left Moutet scrambling. The Spaniard’s serve was on point, and his movement around the baseline was nothing short of spectacular. As the match wore on, Alcaraz only grew in confidence, putting on a show with lobs, slices, and a signature jumping forehand that sealed the deal in just over two hours.
“It’s always special to play here in Melbourne,” Alcaraz said after the match, a grin spreading across his face as he acknowledged the crowd’s energy. “I felt really good out there—just tried to enjoy every point and keep pushing.” According to the match report, he now faces Tommy Paul in the fourth round. Paul advanced after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired while trailing 6-1, 6-1. That upcoming clash promises fireworks, as both players have shown impressive form in the opening week.
Over in the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, survived a serious scare against Anastasia Potapova. The Belarusian ultimately prevailed, but not before being pushed to the brink by her 55th-ranked opponent. The match was anything but straightforward—Sabalenka had to dig deep, especially in the first set, which she clinched in a tense tiebreak, 7-6 (7-4).
Potapova came out swinging, matching Sabalenka shot-for-shot and capitalizing on a flurry of unforced errors from the top seed. At one point, Sabalenka had racked up 41 unforced errors to Potapova’s 22—a testament to the pressure Potapova applied. The second set was a rollercoaster, with Sabalenka surging ahead 4-0, only for Potapova to storm back and level at 5-5. The crowd, sensing an upset, rallied behind the underdog, especially when she saved multiple match points and brought the set to the brink. In the end, Sabalenka’s experience and raw power proved decisive. She let out a roar after clinching the final point, a mix of relief and triumph. “I just had to keep fighting, even when things weren’t going my way,” Sabalenka admitted in her post-match comments. “Potapova played amazing tennis today. I’m just happy to be through.”
Elsewhere, the tournament served up its fair share of upsets and marathon battles. Daniil Medvedev, seeded eleventh, survived a grueling five-setter against Fabian Marozsan, eventually winning 6-7 (5-7), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in a match that stretched over three hours and forty-three minutes. Medvedev’s comeback from two sets down was a testament to his grit and stamina. “Sometimes you just have to keep running and hope the tide turns,” Medvedev said with a wry smile after the match. His victory keeps him in the hunt as the tournament enters its second week.
On the women’s side, Victoria Mboko outlasted Clara Tauson, Learner Tien bested Nuno Borges, and Yulia Putintseva dispatched Zeynep Sonmez—all in straight sets. Each of these players has quietly made their mark on the draw, and with the early rounds thinning out the field, the stage is set for more surprises.
In doubles action, fans witnessed a stunning upset as top-seeded British pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool were ousted by the Australian duo James McCabe and Li Tu. The local pair triumphed 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, sending shockwaves through the men’s doubles bracket. It was a result that no one saw coming, and it’s sure to shake up the title race as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, the evening session promises more high-octane tennis. Alex Zverev is set to take on Cameron Norrie in a battle of heavyweights, while Mirra Andreeva faces off against Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Elina Svitolina will meet Diana Shnaider, and Frances Tiafoe is hoping to quiet the Melbourne crowd as he faces hometown favorite Alex de Minaur. With so many intriguing matchups on the horizon, fans are in for a treat.
Meanwhile, on Margaret Court Arena, Hailey Baptiste was tantalizingly close to taking the first set off Coco Gauff, leading 5-3 before Gauff’s trademark resilience began to show. The all-American showdown is shaping up to be one of the day’s highlights, with both players fighting for a coveted spot in the next round.
As the sun sets over Melbourne Park, the Australian Open 2026 continues to deliver on its promise of world-class tennis and unforgettable moments. The world’s best are being tested at every turn, and with the fourth round looming, the pressure is only set to intensify. Whether it’s the favorites grinding out tough wins or underdogs making headlines, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be one for the ages.
With Alcaraz’s quest for a career Grand Slam alive and Sabalenka’s title defense still intact, all eyes remain fixed on the courts of Melbourne. The next few days will separate the contenders from the pretenders, and if today’s action is any indication, fans should buckle up for more thrills ahead.
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