🔥 Melbourne Heats Up as Champions Rise at the Happy Slam 🔥
The 2026 Australian Open has officially entered its second week, with third-round matches wrapping up and the Round of 16 underway as of January 24. Under scorching Melbourne conditions, top contenders like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and home favorite Alex de Minaur continue their strong march at the Happy Slam.
Australia’s top hope Alex de Minaur delivered a gritty performance at Rod Laver Arena, defeating Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-7, 7-5 to fuel belief in a deep home run.
Alexander Zverev showed resilience, battling past Cameron Norrie in a comeback victory. Meanwhile, matches between Lorenzo Musetti vs Tomas Machac and Karen Khachanov vs Luciano Darderi kept fans glued on the outer courts.
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic, chasing his historic 400th Grand Slam win, progressed in straight sets and now faces Tallon Griekspoor. The Serbian legend already marked his 100th Australian Open victory earlier this week.
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz remains flawless without dropping a set and is set to clash with Tommy Paul. Defending champion Jannik Sinner continues his title defense in commanding fashion.
Women’s Singles Updates
Reigning champion Madison Keys (seeded ninth) looked dominant as she brushed aside Karolina Pliskova in the third round.
Elina Svitolina survived a tense battle against Diana Shnaider, winning 7-6, 7-6, while 19-year-old sensation Victoria Mboko impressed the Melbourne crowd with a thrilling three-set win over Clara Tauson to reach her first-ever fourth round.
Grand Slam heavyweights Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff remain firmly in contention as the women’s draw heats up.
Key Matches Today (Day 7)
The spotlight shines on Novak Djokovic vs Tallon Griekspoor at Rod Laver Arena, headlining a packed schedule under extreme heat protocols.
Other featured players today include Jannik Sinner, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek, while early action unfolds on Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.
Doubles News
Australian wildcards James McCabe and Li Tu pulled off a stunning upset, defeating top seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool 7-6(5), 6-4.
The duo now eyes an all-Australian showdown against Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans, continuing the nation’s proud doubles tradition.
Tournament Outlook
With the tournament running until February 1, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka lead the draws as top seeds. A potential Alcaraz vs Sinner final looms large, while home crowds continue to energize de Minaur’s memorable campaign in Melbourne.
The Happy Slam is heating up — and the best is yet to come.
