Day six of the Melbourne Grand Slam featured several key matches. Belinda Bencic advanced after Naomi Osaka withdrew, while Coco Gauff dominated Leylah Fernandez. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina made a remarkable comeback to reach the round of 16. Laura Siegemund’s journey ended against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev both progressed without dropping a set. Donna Vekic triumphed in a thrilling match, Aryna Sabalenka moved on despite challenges, and German doubles team Krawietz/Pütz showed great resilience to advance.
Who Remains in the Tournament? Updates from Day Six of the Melbourne Grand Slam
The excitement was palpable as Naomi Osaka of Japan faced off against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in a much-anticipated match. Unfortunately, Osaka had to withdraw after the first set due to a stomach issue, which Bencic clinched with a score of 7:6. Now, the 27-year-old Bencic continues to shine, having returned to the professional circuit in October after giving birth to her daughter, Bella, in April 2024. She has now achieved three victories at a Grand Slam tournament as a mother. Kudos to you, Belinda Bencic!
Coco Gauff Makes a Bold Statement
Coco Gauff made headlines by decisively defeating Leylah Fernandez with a score of 6:4, 6:2. Gauff’s performance showcased her as a leading contender for the title in Melbourne, possibly the strongest among the top trio of Sabalenka, Swiatek, and herself. Gauff now prepares to take on Belinda Bencic in the upcoming round of 16.
Fokina’s Unyielding Determination
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina displayed a true fighter’s spirit in his latest match. After trailing two sets behind against Czech sensation Jakub Mensik, Fokina seemed down and out, even saving two match points in the third set. However, with relentless determination, he clinched the tie-break and dominated the rest of the match. With final scores of 3:6, 4:6, 7:6 (7), 6:4, 6:2, Fokina has now reached the round of 16 at the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
Siegemund’s Journey Comes to an End
Laura Siegemund’s run at the Australian Open concluded in the third round. She faced a tough opponent in Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, suffering a clear defeat with scores of 1:6 and 2:6. Siegemund struggled to find her rhythm and was ultimately outplayed by a more assertive opponent. Now, she will shift her focus to doubles alongside Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Laura Siegemund competing against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at the Australian Open.
Carlos Alcaraz Shines with Brilliant Shot
Carlos Alcaraz continues to impress, firmly establishing himself as a top contender for the title. Despite dropping his first set of the tournament, Alcaraz’s focus and determination shone through as he defeated Portuguese player Nuno Borges with scores of 6:2, 6:4, 6:7 (3), 6:2. The match featured some spectacular rallies, including a stunning Becker-like shot that delighted the crowd. Watching Alcaraz in action is truly a treat.
Carlos Alcaraz showcasing his skills at the Australian Open.
Alexander Zverev Advances Without Dropping a Set
Alexander Zverev secured his place in the round of 16 after a straightforward straight-set victory over British player Jacob Fearnley. The match ended with scores of 6:3, 6:4, 6:3, although the scoreline might not fully reflect the challenges Zverev faced. While he encountered some resistance, he often capitalized on his opponent’s mistakes and relied on his strong serve, finishing the match with a service winner. Next, he will face the victor of the French showdown between Hugo Humbert and Arthur Fils.
Alexander Zverev has advanced to the round of 16 at the Australian Open with a convincing straight-set win against Jacob Fearnley.
Thrilling Match from the Early Shift
With a nod and a smile, Donna Vekic’s new German coach Sascha Bajin seemed to convey, ‘We’re on the right track.’ Vekic triumphed in a thrilling three-set match against Diana Schneider from Russia, winning 7:6 (4), 6:7 (3), and 7:5. Although she was down with a break at 3:5 in the final set, Vekic rallied to win four consecutive games, turning the match around to the delight of the audience in the Margaret Court Arena. She now moves forward to the round of 16.
Aryna Sabalenka Moves On
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked number one in the world, has also made it to the round of 16. Although she faced more challenges than anticipated, Sabalenka managed to defeat Denmark’s Clara Tauson with scores of 7:6 (5), 6:4. Despite dropping her serve five times, the reigning champion continues her pursuit of a successful title defense.
German Doubles Show Incredible Nerve
Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz faced a challenging moment in their doubles match. Down a set and struggling at 0:1 with a 0:40 deficit in the second set, a break could have spelled disaster. However, the duo maintained their composure, saving all break points and ultimately turning the match around against their Romanian-Argentinian opponents Cornea/Navone. They won with scores of 4:6, 6:1, 6:4, advancing to the round of 16.