Australian Open 2025: Sabalenka, Gauff, Djokovic Lead Day Four Action

MELBOURNE, Australia — The 2025 Australian Open entered its fourth day with top seeds Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz taking center stage in a packed schedule of matches. Defending champion Sabalenka faced a rollercoaster battle against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas-Maniero, while rain delays continued to loom over the tournament.

Sabalenka, the women’s favorite, started strong on Rod Laver Arena, breaking Bouzas-Maniero’s serve early but struggled to maintain momentum, dropping her own serve in the next game. The Belarusian eventually claimed the first set 6-3, showcasing her dominance despite a spirited challenge from her opponent. “She loves to bolt away to early leads,” a commentator noted, emphasizing Sabalenka’s strategy to conserve energy for later rounds.

Meanwhile, fifth seed Zheng Qinwen faced a tough opening set against Germany’s Laura Siegemund, losing a tie-break 7-6(7-3). Zheng’s serve faltered, with only 53% of her first attempts landing in, compared to Siegemund’s 83%. The 22-year-old Chinese player will need a strong comeback in the second set to keep her title hopes alive.

Over at Margaret Court Arena, American Jessica Pegula began her match against Belgium’s Elise Mertens, who has historically been a challenging opponent. Mertens holds a 3-0 record against Pegula, including a decisive victory at Roland Garros in 2023. Pegula, ranked world No. 6, is looking to reverse her fortunes and advance further in the tournament.

Rain has been a persistent issue during the first two days of the Open, with a 50% chance of showers forecasted for Thursday and a 40% chance on Friday. Tournament organizers remain confident in their ability to manage disruptions, thanks to three retractable-roofed stadiums and increased shade coverage across Melbourne Park. “We’ve had a couple of days with some rain delays, but there’s been no significant disruption to the event,” a spokesperson said.

In a celebration of Indigenous culture, Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day was launched, honoring the Wiradjuri tennis legend and Australia’s first Indigenous grand slam winner. Goolagong Cawley joined First Nations ballkids for a hit at Margaret Court Arena, while traditional activities like ochre painting and weaving were showcased around the venue.

As the day progresses, fans are keeping a close eye on potential upsets and standout performances. With stars like Djokovic and Alcaraz yet to take the court, the action promises to intensify as the tournament moves closer to its climax.