Top Seeds Cruise into AusOpen'26 Quarterfinals as Alcaraz Breaks 47-Year Record

 

The top seeds booked their places in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open with convincing performances in both men’s and women’s singles. In the men’s draw, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and third seed Alexander Zverev advanced comfortably with straight-set victories. However, former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock exit in the fourth round.

Alcaraz had an entertaining outing against American Tommy Paul, winning 7–6 (8–6), 6–4, 7–5 to move into the last eight. During the match, the young Spaniard received multiple marriage proposals from the crowd, drawing laughter from both Alcaraz and the spectators. Despite the unusual interruptions, he remained focused and sealed the match in straight sets.

With this win, Alcaraz also created history by becoming the first player to reach 14 Grand Slam quarterfinals before the age of 23. In doing so, he broke the 47-year-old joint record previously held by Björn Borg and Boris Becker, who had reached the last eight 13 times each before turning 23. Alcaraz’s growing popularity in Australia was evident from the loud cheers he received, especially when he changed his shirt during the match. When asked about it later, he simply smiled and played down the attention.

Elsewhere in the men’s singles, Zverev defeated 18th seed Francisco Cerúndolo of Argentina 6–2, 6–4, 6–4 to progress. Sixth seed Alex de Minaur also advanced with ease, beating 10th seed Alexander Bublik 6–4, 6–1, 6–1. Medvedev, meanwhile, was knocked out by 25th seed Learner Tien of the United States, losing 4–6, 0–6, 3–6 in a surprising defeat.

In the women’s singles, the top seeds also lived up to expectations. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka beat 17th seed Victoria Beko of Canada 6–1, 7–6 (7–1) to reach the quarterfinals. Third seed Coco Gauff overcame 19th seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 6–1, 3–6, 6–3 in the fourth round.

Ukrainian 12th seed Elina Svitolina recorded a straight-set win over eighth seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia, winning 6–2, 6–4. Meanwhile, 29th seed Eva Jovic of the United States produced a dominant display, thrashing unseeded Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 6–0, 6–1 to book her place in the last eight.