Saturday, January 24, 2026, brought intense heat and thrilling matches at the Australian Open, with several top seeds pushed to their limits and the extreme heat protocol invoked across Melbourne Park.
Men’s Singles: Sinner’s Great Escape, De Minaur Dazzles
The major talking point of the day was World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who battled cramps and scorching heat against American Eliot Spizzirri. Sinner went down a set and a break, but the match turned when the extreme heat rule was enforced, allowing the Rod Laver Arena roof to close. Sinner returned revitalized and eventually won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, later admitting he “got lucky with the heat rule”.
He will face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in the fourth round, who upset Karen Khachanov.
Home favourite Alex de Minaur put on a masterful performance, dispatching Frances Tiafoe in straight sets to reach the second week for the fifth consecutive year. Other winners include Ben Shelton, who beat Valentin Vacherot in a tight three-setter, and Lorenzo Musetti, who prevailed in a five-set epic over Tomas Machac.
Women’s Singles: Americans Cruise Into Second Week
The top American women’s seeds enjoyed a strong day, with No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula easing past Oksana Selekhmeteva and No. 9 seed Madison Keys securing a straightforward win over Karolina Pliskova. No. 4 seed Amanda Anisimova also advanced in straight sets against Peyton Stearns.
Today’s Action Highlights
The day’s remaining schedule features more high-stakes third-round action:
Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a 400th Grand Slam win against Botic van de Zandschulp.
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek faces Anna Kalinskaya.
Former champion Naomi Osaka returns to the spotlight in the night session.
Stay updated with all the draws and live scores on the ATP Tour and WTA Tour official websites
