Australian Open 2025: Sabalenka, Gauff on collision course after reaching quarters

Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff advance to Australian Open quarterfinals, Djokovic and Alcaraz set for potential showdown.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka swept into the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday (January 19, 2025) and was joined by Coco Gauff, while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz can later set up a blockbuster clash.

Double defending champion Sabalenka blew away Russian 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva 6-1, 6-2 in a ruthless display on the hottest day of the tournament so far.

As temperatures hit 34 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit) in Melbourne, Gauff dropped a set for the first time this season but fought back to beat Belinda Bencic 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.

Sabalenka and Gauff will meet in the semifinals should they win their respective matches in the last eight.

Djokovic continues his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title against Czech 24th seed Jiri Lehecka in the prime-time evening match on Rod Laver Arena.

The prize for the winner is a meeting with either Carlos Alcaraz or Britain’s Jack Draper for a place in the semi-finals.

Belarus’s Sabalenka was out on a roasting centre court for only 62 minutes before registering an 18th consecutive win at Melbourne Park.