Both world number ones will again headline the day session at the Australian Open as the fourth round begins.
Follow all the news from Day 8 of the Australian Open below!
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Get live updates from Day 8 at Melbourne Park here!
‘YOU HAVE TO PAY ME’: ALCARAZ REVEALS DJOKOVIC TEXT
He was made to work for his victory, but Carlos Alcaraz’s relatively smooth ride through the Australian Open draw continued on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The 22-year-old world No.1 is seeking to become the youngest ever player to complete the career grand slam with victory at Melbourne Park this fortnight.
And he is certainly looking well on track to threaten compatriot Rafael Nadal’s record after a 7-6, 6-4, 7-5 triumph against Tommy Paul.
Alcaraz’s increased first serve percentage, he made 70 per cent of his first serves against Paul, was on show as he booked a quarter-final date with either local hope Alex de Minaur or 10th seed Alexander Bublik.
The Spaniard’s remodelled serve has been a talking point of the tournament with Alcaraz even admitting that the improved results are “surprising myself, to be honest”.
His new-look service motion has drawn comparisons to that of ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian even joked earlier in the week that Alcaraz owed him royalties because of the resemblance.
In his post-match interview, the world No.1 then returned serve with a tongue-in-cheek comment of his own and revealed a story from the off season.
“I have the contract over there, but I haven’t seen him yet, so,” Alcaraz told Jim Courier in his post-match interview.
“It funny because I was in the position and yeah, some videos came up with the movement.
“So, you know, I just woke up one day and I take out my phone. I had, you know, a Djokovic message like, ‘all right, you have to pay me, for the serve’.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 25: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain serves in the men’s Singles Fourth Round against Tommy Paul of the United States during day eight of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Paul provided the biggest challenge to Alcaraz so far this tournament, but never seriously threatened to turn the tables on what has been a one-sided match-up in recent times.
Alcaraz has won their last five encounters and boasts a 6-2 lead in their career head-to-head.
But they were two-all on hard courts coming into this meeting, and Paul arrived in the fourth round as a man in form.
Before Alcaraz broke back in the first set, the 19th seed was the last man yet to drop a service game this tournament.
His serve let him down at crucial moments against the Spaniard, however.
He was broken when trailing 4-3 in the second set and also surrendered his serve at 5-5 in the third set.
But his double fault to hand Alcaraz the first set in a tiebreak was the most glaring example of the American’s serve letting him down.
That came after a break in play of almost 15 minutes, when they were locked at three-all in the tiebreak, due to a medical incident in the stands.
Alcaraz simply responded quicker after the disruption and even pulled out some party tricks on his way to nabbing the first set.
On the penultimate point, Alcaraz had so much time to bury a thunderous smash that he even took his right hand off his racquet to rub his face underneath the high ball.
The Spaniard was chuckling on his way back to the base line and in the commentary box, Australian great Lleyton Hewitt said he had never seen anything like it before.
For the remainder of the match, the momentum was all with Alcaraz despite Paul’s valiant efforts.
The crowd certainly appreciated the fight the American showed as he received a rousing reception upon leaving centre court.
Alcaraz also expressed his respect post-match, recalling how Paul broke his serve in the opening game of the match.
“I think he started pretty, pretty strong,” Alcaraz said.
“In the first game serving, I thought I just played a good game though. But yeah I think yeah he came out really strong and for me it was difficult a little bit.
“But I stayed there all the time. I knew that I was going to to have my chances. I think overall it’s been a really a really high level of tennis from both sides, but just really, really happy that I got it in straight sets.”
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after winning his fourth round match against Tommy Paul of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)Source: AP
SABALENKA SURVIVES MIGHTY SCAR FROM TALENTED TEEN
Aryna Sabalenka showed why she is arguably the favourite to take out the women’s singles for the third time in four years with a crushing straight sets victory against talented teen Victoria Mboko.
Sabalenka was in a hurry as she took the first set 6-1 in 31 minutes, but the Canadian 17th seed fought back to threaten to send the match to a deciding set.
The world No.1 served for the match at 5-4 and had three match points in that game, but Mboko broke back to extend the contest on Rod Lavera Arena.
The 19-year-old unleashed a flurry of big winners as she gave Sabalenka a taste of her own medicine.
The rearguard action did not last long, however, as the second set went to a tiebreak where the Belarussian is near unbeatable.
Sabalenka roared back to take the tiebreak 7-1.
She also broke one of Novak Djokovic’s long-held records as it was the 20th consecutive tiebreak that Sabalenka has won – dating back to Roland Garros 2023.
It is an impressive statistic that she wants everyone to keep pointing out.
“Because you guys keep talking about that, I feel like you guys putting pressure on my opponent,” Sabalenka said post-match.
“So that’s what I like about playing tie breaks nowadays. But I don’t know. I just go into the tie breaks. I try to not to think that this is tie break play point by point. And I guess that’s the key to this consistency.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 25: Aryna Sabalenka reacts in the Women’s Singles Fourth Round against Victoria Mboko of Canada during day eight of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
At one stage in the tiebreak, Sabalenka won four straight points courtesy of three winners on either side of the body and an ace.
Sabalenka’s power-packed display progressed her to 13th consecutive grand slam quarter-final.
Another talented teen in Iva Jovic awaits on Tuesday when temperatures are set to exceed 40 degrees.
The 18-year-old American thrashed Yulia Putintseva – who made headlines for her clashes with the crowd in her first round and third round matches – 6-0, 6-1 in just 53 minutes on John Cain Arena.
Sabalenka spoke of her need to manage herself carefully in the searing heat, saying she will train indoors tomorrow and continue to blast the air conditioning in her room.
But post-match, the 27-year-old was also full of praise for her younger opponent.
Mboko had never even played in an Australian Open main draw before this week, having shot to prominence last year in Montreal when she defeated Naomi Osaka in the Canadian Open final.
“What an incredible player for for such a young age. It’s incredible to see these kid’s coming up on tour,” Sabalenka said.
“I mean, I can’t believe I say that I feel like a kid still, but whatever. Incredible player pushed me really hard today and super happy with the win and once again in straight sets. She played incredible tennis. She pushed me so much and happy to be through.”
Canada’s Victoria Mboko hits a return against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka during their women’s singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2026. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –Source: AFP
Sabalenka may be worried by what played out on Margaret Court Arena later in the day, however.
World No.3 Coco Gauff needed four match points to eventually seal a hard fought victory against Karolina Muchova.
Gauff took the match 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in one hour and 59 minutes, and based off history, the 21-year-old set herself on course for a maiden Australian Open title.
Every time the American has beaten the Czech she has gone on to win that tournament.
That has happened four times previously, including at the 2023 US Open, with Gauff dominating their career head-to-head 5-0 after her latest win.
Today was the first time that 19th seed Muchova has even taken a set off the two-time grand slam champion.
Gauff will face either eighth seed Mirra Andreeva or 12th seed Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals, and is on track to meet Sabalenka in a semi-final.
‘NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE’: KYRGIOS SHUTS DOWN TALK OF TOMIC MOVE
Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open campaign remains alive, but his days of being a threat in the men’s singles draw are dead.
Kyrgios will hit the court for a second round mixed doubles clash alongside 2021 US Open women’s singles finalist Leylah Fernandez on Monday, but any hopes that another eye-catching doubles run might reignite his singles career have essentially been squashed.
The 30-year-old did not play singles this year at Melbourne Park due to fitness concerns.
He said he would be unable to play five sets with his career having been hampered by multiple knee and wrist surgeries.
“I’ve had a rough couple of years, going from knocking on the door of a Grand Slam, then having it taken away,” Kyrgios told Code Sports.
“Obviously your priorities change and reality hits, and it’s (wondering) whether or not you’re ever going to compete for a singles Grand Slam again.
“But I’ve had more luck and more success than 95% of athletes that choose to pick up a racquet.
“I’ve had to humbly realise that it’s … it’s not gone, but that injuries happen and they’re a part of sport.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Nick Kyrgios (R) of Australia talks with Leylah Fernandez (L) of Canada while competing in the Mixed Doubles First Round against Desirae Krawczyk of the United States and Neal Skupski of Great Britain during day six of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It was a sensible decision to not play singles as Kyrgios has only made one grand slam singles appearance since 2022 – a first-round loss at last year’s Australian Open when he was clearly not fully healthy.
2022 was the year the polarising Australian appeared to get it all together.
He lost the Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic – the best result of his singles career.
He made the US Open quarter-finals roughly six weeks later, losing a five set thriller to Karen Khachanov.
Kyrgios gave one of his trademark outbursts upon leaving the court in New York, but this time it felt different.
With Djokovic not playing, Rafael Nadal already being eliminated and Kyrgios having defeated then world No.1 Daniil Medvedev in the previous round, it felt like the best opportunity of his career to win a grand slam title.
Carlos Alcaraz went on to win his first grand slam title and would have been a formidable foe, but Kyrgios’ outburst was one of disappointment and frustration with himself.
Not of the at times bratty behaviour directed at an umpire or his team.
After being so close to glory, it would then be a bitter pill to swallow to drop back to lower levels to rebuild his career.
It was a suggestion made by Krygios’ doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis.
TOPSHOT – Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis (L) and Nick Kyrgios speak during their men’s doubles match against compatriot Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2026. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –Source: AFP
The likes of fellow Australian Bernard Tomic have also had to cop that dent to his pride in recent years.
But it is a move that Kyrgios will not be making, instead focusing on exhibition events.
“I just don’t think there’s any need for it,” he said. “My motivation is to make as much money as possible.
“So when events are throwing six figures at me, it doesn’t make sense for me to go a 250 and play five matches and only earn what I could earn in one day.
“It doesn’t make sense.
“I’m more of a drawcard than most people, even in the top 10, so I know my worth and what my plans are.
“I have nothing left to prove. I’ve beaten all of the greatest players of all time and I’ve won multiple titles.
“Someone who’s had injuries, but still hasn’t achieved what they want to achieve could go back to 250s, but if I can earn six figures for going to a place for two days, then that will always be my option.”
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis lost their first round doubles match to fellow Australians Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans.
But instead of being concerned by the defeat, Kyrgios was proud of the late night, party atmosphere they created on Kia Arena.
Similar scenes were common place of their run to the title in 2022.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts while competing with Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the Mixed Doubles First Round against Desirae Krawczyk of the United States and Neal Skupski of Great Britain during day six of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The good vibes were also flowing in his match with Fernandez on Friday.
That energy is what Kyrgios is chasing, be it at the Australian Open or from exhibition events like the one he played at New York’s Madison Square Garden last year or his much criticised ‘battle of the sexes’ clash with Aryna Sabalenka.
“I just want to put on a show for the crowd – that’s pretty much why I’m playing at the moment,” he said.
“It’s cool, because every time you go out there, the stadium is absolutely rocking.
“It’s a riot out there, and I’m giving people entertainment, and it’s an experience.
“On Thursday night, I literally had every single person in the palm of my hand. It’s like I’m orchestrating them, and it’s just an incredible feeling.
“I’m just this kid from Canberra, it’s pretty surreal for me.”
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AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 8 ORDER OF PLAY
Men’s and Women’s Singles fourth round
Show courts and Aussies – all times AEDT
Rod Laver Arena
Day session from 11:30am
[1] Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) vs [17] Victoria Mboko (CAN)
Not before 1:30pm
[1] Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs [19] Tommy Paul (USA)
Night session from 7pm
[10] Alexander Bublik (KAZ) vs [6] Alex de Minaur (AUS)
[12] Elina Svitolina (UKR) vs [8] Mirra Andreeva (RUS)
Margaret Court Arena
Day session from 11:30am
Match TBA x2 (likely doubles)
Not before 2:30pm
[3] Coco Gauff (USA) vs [19] Karolina Muchova (CZE)
Not before 4pm
[11] Daniil Medvedev (RUS) vs [25] Learner Tien (USA)
John Cain Arena
Day session from 11am
Match TBA (likely doubles)
Not before 1pm
Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) vs [29] Iva Jovic
Match TBA
Not before 5pm
[3] Alex Zverev (GER) vs [18] Francisco Cerundolo (ARG)