Day 4 of the Australian Open provided a compelling mix of milestones and surprises. Novak Djokovic made history by breaking a Grand Slam record, while Zheng Qinwen, last year’s women’s finalist, experienced a stunning second-round exit. Elsewhere, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and Carlos Alcaraz delivered commanding performances to advance to the third round, showcasing their championship credentials.
Djokovic’s Historic Achievement
Playing under the roof of Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic once again demonstrated his resilience and skill as he advanced to the third round. The Serbian tennis icon defeated Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in a four-set battle, 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2. Despite dropping a set for the second consecutive match, Djokovic maintained his composure to secure the victory.
The match marked a significant milestone for the 37-year-old. It was his 430th singles match at a Grand Slam event, surpassing Roger Federer (429) and Serena Williams (423) to claim the all-time record for most matches played at majors in the Open Era.
“Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court,” Djokovic said after the match. “I’m just blessed to be making another record.”
Now coached by former rival Andy Murray, Djokovic is chasing his 11th Australian Open title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam crown. His next opponent is Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac.
Alcaraz Displays Dominance
Carlos Alcaraz, the dynamic third seed, delivered a scintillating performance, demolishing Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1, 6-4. The match lasted just 81 minutes, showcasing Alcaraz’s efficiency and aggressive gameplay.
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, has yet to progress beyond the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park, but his commanding performance signals his potential to make a deeper run this year. “The less time you spend on court in the Grand Slams, especially in the beginning, it is going to be better,” he said.
Zheng Qinwen Stunned by Siegemund
In one of the tournament’s most significant upsets, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen was eliminated by Germany’s Laura Siegemund. The 36-year-old Siegemund, ranked 97th in the world, outplayed Zheng to secure a 7-6(3), 6-3 victory.
“I had nothing to lose, so I just told myself to swing free,” Siegemund said after her impressive performance.
Zheng, visibly frustrated during the match, received two time violations, which seemed to affect her focus. Reflecting on her early exit, Zheng remarked, “It’s tennis. Nothing more.”
Sabalenka Battles Through to Advance
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a challenging second-round match against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, winning 6-3, 7-5. The Belarusian world No. 1 had to dig deep, dropping her serve three times and facing 11 break points before rallying to win the final five games of the second set.
Sabalenka’s victory keeps her on track for a third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat achieved by only a few women in tennis history, including Martina Hingis.
“Girls can go there and just play without any fear, without anything to lose. They can put you in really uncomfortable positions,” Sabalenka said, highlighting the competitiveness of the women’s game.
Osaka’s Resilient Comeback
Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat 20th seed Karolina Muchova. After losing the first set 1-6, Osaka rallied to claim the next two sets 6-1, 6-3. The victory was especially sweet for Osaka, who referred to it as a “little revenge” for her loss to Muchova at the 2024 US Open.
Osaka’s determination and tactical adjustments in the match underscored her ability to compete at the highest level, even as an unseeded player this year.
Gauff Continues to Shine
Teen sensation Coco Gauff, the world No. 3, showcased her growing maturity and resilience with a straight-sets victory over Britain’s Jodie Burrage. Despite trailing 5-3 in the second set, Gauff fought back to win 6-3, 7-5.
Gauff’s impressive 2024 season, which included victories at the China Open and WTA Tour Finals, has carried over into the new year as she continues to assert herself as a top contender.
Powering on.@CocoGauff peels off the final four games of the second set to seal a 6-3 7-5 victory over a plucky, punchy Jodie Burrage.
She’ll face Leylah Fernandez in the next round.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/vnt2G3RNIM
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2025
Rain Disrupts Play
Rain interrupted play on the outside courts for several hours on Day 4, but the action continued uninterrupted on the main arenas under the roofs. The weather delay did little to dampen the intensity of the matches, as fans witnessed stellar performances from some of the tournament’s biggest names.
Looking Ahead
The Australian Open promises more thrilling action as the competition progresses. Defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner is set to take on Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate in the third round. Daniil Medvedev, Iga Swiatek, and Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca are also slated to feature in upcoming matches, adding to the excitement at Melbourne Park.
Day 4 of the Australian Open highlighted the unpredictable and electrifying nature of Grand Slam tennis. With records being broken, unexpected upsets, and stellar performances, the tournament continues to captivate fans worldwide.
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