Day 6 of the Australian Open: Paolini and Rublev Exit, Alcaraz Gains Momentum, Sabalenka Survives a Scare

On January 23, 2026, Beijing time, the sixth day of the Australian Open main draw concluded, with all round of 16 places in the upper halves of the men's and women's singles confirmed.

As the third round matches unfolded, several seeded players faced off today, with upsets occurring in both men's and women's events. Seventh seed Paolini was defeated 2-6, 6-7(3) by the 18-year-old American prodigy and 29th seed Jovic, who advanced to the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time. This youngest Top 100 female player caused the biggest upset since the tournament began, earning her first career victory over a Top 10 opponent. She will compete against Putintseva for a quarterfinal spot in the fourth round.

Jovic

After the match, Jovic revealed that she received valuable advice during a conversation yesterday with her idol Djokovic: “I think he is much kinder and more considerate than he appears on camera; he is very intelligent and always willing to help young players. I am grateful for the advice he gave me.”

Cerundolo

Another upset saw 13th seed Rublev eliminated, losing in three sets to 18th seed Cerundolo. He has now lost all three of their recent encounters and missed the Australian Open second week for the second consecutive year. Cerundolo reached the Australian Open round of 16 for the first time and will face third seed Zverev in the fourth round, who defeated former Top 10 player Norrie in four sets.

Alcaraz

Both world number ones playing at Rod Laver Arena advanced without dropping a set. Alcaraz showed improved form compared to the previous round, sweeping 32nd seed Moutet. This victory marked his 100th Grand Slam match, with his record now standing at 87 wins and 13 losses, tying Bjorn Borg for the best in the Open Era. Alcaraz will face 19th seed Paul in the fourth round, who advanced after opponent Davidovich Fokina retired while trailing by two sets.

Sabalenka

Sabalenka survived a double tiebreak battle, saving four set points in the second set, and overcame a strong challenge from Potapova. In the fourth round, she will face 17th seed and Canadian rising star Mboko, who eliminated 14th seed Townsend in three sets, marking their first meeting.

Medvedev

Lerner Chen

Former finalist and 11th seed Medvedev staged a five-set comeback to narrowly defeat Malosan and advance to the round of 16, where he will meet his “nemesis” Lerner Chen, who swept Borges in straight sets. Local favorite and 6th seed Deminal played solidly, beating 29th seed Tiafoe in straight sets, and will face 10th seed Bublyk in the fourth round.

Gauff

Andreyeva

Third seed Gauff faced some resistance but came back from a set down against compatriot Baptiste, making it to the Australian Open’s second week for the fourth consecutive year. She will meet 19th seed Muchova in the fourth round. Eighth seed Andreyeva also progressed smoothly and will face a tough challenge from 12th seed Svitolina in the fourth round.

Xu Yifan / Yang Zhaoxuan

The Chinese duo Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan missed match points in the first set and were defeated 6-7(7), 1-6 by the strong defending champions Siniakova and Townsend, ending their run in the women’s doubles second round.

Results from Day 6 of the 2026 Australian Open

(Written and edited by Wang Fei)