In a tougher-than-expected match, Aryna Sabalenka beat Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 6-4 in a poor serving display by both players to open the sixth day of play on Rod Laver Arena.

Aryna Sabalenka battled through challenging conditions to triumph over Clara Tauson in the Australian Open's fourth round. Despite initial struggles, Sabalenka stabilised her game to secure victory. As Novak Djokovic eyes history,

The sixth day of the Australian Open saw Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova advance to the fourth round. Aryna Sabalenka, Clara Tauson, Naomi Osaka, and Belinda Bencic competed on the prestigious Rod Laver Arena.

By Shrivathsa Sridhar MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a wobbly display to reach the Australian Open fourth round while Carlos Alcaraz was at his dazzling best despite a blip as warm and windy weather tested the composure of players on Friday.

Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion in Australia, stopped playing because of a strained abdominal muscle after dropping the first set of her match against Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic.

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are some of the prominent players who will be in action on the sixth day in Melbourne.

Australian Open: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the limit while Carlos Alcaraz ... while Carlos Alcaraz dropped a set before surging into the last 16. Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka hits a return against Denmark's Clara Tauson during their ...

33-year-old Pavlyuchenkova did well to reach the QFs of the Australian Open this year and equalized with Sabalenka at the end of the second set. However, she was unable to upset the Belarusian, who is eyeing a hattrick of AO title wins this year.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz can set up a blockbuster quarter-final when the Australian Open enters the fourth round on Sunday

While there have been plenty of surprises in the men’s bracket so far, most of the top women have progressed through the draw without an issue.

Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff roll to Australian Open's 4th round. Naomi Osaka retires due to injury and Jessica Pegula was upset in the third round.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a wobbly display to reach the Australian Open fourth round while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz were at their dazzling best on a warm but windy Friday at Melbourne Park.