Australian Open 2026: Alcaraz and Gauff cruise into quarterfinals

MELBOURNE: World number one Carlos Alcaraz and rising American star Coco Gauff continued their impressive runs at the Australian Open 2026, advancing to the quarterfinals with dominant performances in their respective draws.

Alcaraz cruises past Tommy Paul

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz maintained his form at Melbourne Park, defeating American Tommy Paul in straight sets 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 7-5. Despite Paul, the 19th seed, breaking Alcaraz in the opening game, the Spaniard quickly regained control and forced a tie-break in the first set, which he clinched after a brief 15-minute interruption due to a medical emergency in the crowd.

Alcaraz did not face a single break point in the next two sets, displaying the composure and precision that have made him the world number one. He will now meet home favourite Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, after the Australian defeated Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-1, 6-1.

Meanwhile, other top seeds progressed as expected. Last year’s runner-up, Alexander Zverev, overcame Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the last eight, while Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock exit to American youngster Learner Tien, losing 6-4, 6-0, 6-3.

Gauff shines with spectacular shots against Muchova

On the women’s side, American Coco Gauff continued her remarkable form, defeating Karolina Muchova 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the fourth round. The match featured some spectacular moments, including a no-look, mid-air cross-court forehand pass from Gauff that left the crowd in awe.

Leading 1-0, 30-15 in the first set, Gauff showcased her agility and net play with a clever sequence of volleys and lobs, eventually taking control of the match. With this win, Gauff improves her record against Muchova to 5-0 and continues her streak of advancing deep into Grand Slam events.

The 19-year-old also became the youngest player to reach her 10th career women’s singles Grand Slam quarterfinal, matching a milestone previously achieved by Maria Sharapova at the 2007 Australian Open. Gauff will face Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals.

“Today was a tough match,” Gauff said after her victory. “Every time I play Karolina, it feels tough out there on the court. She’s a talented player. It really came down to a couple of points in the third set that went my way.”

Looking ahead

With both Alcaraz and Gauff through to the last eight, the Australian Open quarterfinals promise high-stakes clashes as the world’s top players vie for a place in the semifinals. Fans at Melbourne Park and around the globe will be eagerly watching to see if Alcaraz can navigate the challenge of De Minaur and if Gauff can continue her impressive streak against Svitolina.