The Australian Open 2026 continued to deliver drama and brilliance on day six at Melbourne Park, with top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka advancing in contrasting styles, while Daniil Medvedev staged another trademark comeback to keep his title hopes alive.
Alcaraz Cruises Past Moutet
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz stepped up his quest for a maiden Australian Open crown, dismantling French showman Corentin Moutet 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in just over two hours at Rod Laver Arena.
The victory marked Alcaraz’s 100th Grand Slam match, with a remarkable 87-13 win-loss record, equalling the legendary Bjorn Borg at the same stage of his career.
The 22-year-old Spaniard now faces American 19th seed Tommy Paul, who advanced after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired with a knee injury.
“It wasn’t easy. To be honest, when you play someone like Corentin you don’t know what’s going to be next,” Alcaraz said. “But I had fun on the court. I think we both pulled off great shots, great points.”
Sabalenka Battles Through
Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka endured a nervy two-hour battle against unseeded Anastasia Potapova, eventually prevailing 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (9/7).
The Belarusian, aiming for her third Australian Open title in four years, admitted she struggled throughout the match:
“I was always on the back foot, one of those days you have to fight to try and get the ball back. Emotionally I was all over the place,” said the world number one.
Sabalenka will next face Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, who upset Clara Tauson in three sets.
Medvedev’s Revenge Mission
Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev showed grit and resilience, clawing back from two sets down to defeat Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan 6-7 (5/7), 4-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 in nearly four hours.
The 2021 US Open champion, who struggled at majors last year, recorded his fifth career comeback from two sets down.
“Five sets again,” Medvedev scribbled on the on-court camera afterwards, a nod to his reputation for marathon matches.
Medvedev now faces Learner Tien, the American 25th seed who stunned him in a five-set thriller last year.
Other Key Matches
- Coco Gauff, the third seed, continues her impressive run and will face fellow American Hailey Baptiste.
- Rising Russian star Mirra Andreeva takes on Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
- Italy’s Jasmine Paolini meets American teenager Iva Jovic.
- Alexander Zverev, last year’s finalist, faces Britain’s Cameron Norrie in an evening clash.
- Home favorite Alex de Minaur will headline the night session against Frances Tiafoe, who reached the Melbourne quarter-finals in 2019.
Conclusion
Day six of the Australian Open showcased the resilience of champions and the unpredictability of tennis. With Alcaraz chasing history, Sabalenka fighting for dominance, and Medvedev scripting another comeback, the tournament is heating up as the race to the quarter-finals intensifies.
