PLAYER OF THE DAY: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina - for a second time in a row, the 25-year-old Spaniard came back from two sets down to beat Czech rising star Jakub Mensik and reach the fourth round of the Open for the first time. The 2021 French Open quarter-finalist did the same against former world No.6 Felix Auger Aliassime in the second round.
STAT OF THE DAY: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has notched 17 consecutive victories at the Open and won 22 sets in a row. She appeared to be in danger of dropping her first set in Melbourne since the 2023 final before overcoming feisty Dane Clara Tauson to move into round four.Â
PIC OF THE DAY: A hair-raising victory!
Croatia's Donna Vekic came within a hair's breadth of making a third-round exit. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It's going to be a kangaroo, that's for sure. That's my idea. The only thing I miss is to lift the trophy here but it's done, the idea (kangaroo) is already taken." - Carlos Alcaraz on what "grand slam" tattoo he plans to get if he wins the Australian Open.Â
THE MOMENT: Some outrageous shot making from Carlos Alcaraz and Nuno Borges had the crown on their feet at Rod Laver Arena. Incredible saves and an almost miracle diving volley.
SHOWTIME on RLA 🎬— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) Carlos Alcaraz and Nuno Borges send the crowd into a frenzy 😲 @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/QdR9QvzogYJanuary 17, 2025
TOURNAMENT SUMMARY: German world No.2 Alexander Zverev and Spanish world No. 3 Carlos Alacaraz continued to impress and remain on a collision course to meet in the semi-finals. American Tommy Paul saw off Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena, setting up a battle for a quarter-final spot with Fokina. Two-time Open champion Naomi Osaka retired hurt against Belinda Bencic as Donna Vekic, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Paula Badosa all won through.
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