Big guns progress in Melbourne at Australian Open

Top seeds Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz remain on collision course at the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. The Australian Open is the player’s first opportunity to claim a major title of the calendar year.

Defending Champion Djokovic is aiming to secure a record extending 25th Grand Slam title. The No.1 seed won his 100^th match at the Australian Open beating Tomas Martin 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-2) to reach the fourth round.

Wimbledon Champion Carlos Alcaraz has not played in Melbourne for two years due to injury but also joined Djokovic in the fourth round after a dominating performance against Chang Juncheng of China. Juncheng was forced to retire in the third set due to injury; however the young Spaniard demonstrated some scintillating tennis which will inevitably send a warning to his rivals.

Britain’s Camron Norrie is also showing good form with an impressive four-set victory against 11^th Casper Rudd.

In the woman’s draw Emma Raducanu was forced to retire due to a sickness bug in her second round match but claims her injury woes are now behind her which plagued her schedule in 2023. She will be hoping for better progress in 2024.

No.1 seed Iga Swiatek will play American star Coco Gauff in an intriguing match in the fourth round. Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva will also be looking to extend her incredible journey in Meblourne after beating sixth seed Ons Jabeur.