Australian Open Day 8: Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sabalenka Headline Key Matches

MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian Open‘s eighth day promises high-stakes drama as top seeds Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka take center stage at Melbourne Park on Sunday. The tournament’s fourth round features a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, with several players vying for career-defining victories.

No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will face Great Britain’s Jack Draper on Rod Laver Arena, aiming to advance closer to completing a career Grand Slam. The pair have met three times before, with Draper winning their most recent encounter. However, the Brit has yet to defeat Alcaraz on hard court, adding intrigue to their showdown.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Paula Badosa, competing in the fourth round of the Australian Open for only the second time, will take on Serbia’s Olga Danilovic at Margaret Court Arena. Danilovic, a relative newcomer, is already in uncharted territory at Melbourne Park. Later, Badosa’s compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will face 2023 semifinalist Tommy Paul. Fokina, who has already spent over 10 hours on court this tournament, including two five-set marathons, will be hoping for a quicker match.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka kicks off the action on Rod Laver Arena against 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, a rising star in women’s tennis. Following their match, No. 3 seed Coco Gauff will take on Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in another highly anticipated clash.

The night session will be headlined by Novak Djokovic, who continues his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian superstar faces No. 24 seed Jiri Lehecka, a 2023 quarterfinalist, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

With the stakes higher than ever, Day 8 of the Australian Open is set to deliver unforgettable moments as the tournament’s top contenders battle for a place in the quarterfinals.