MELBOURNE: Jannik Sinner powered into the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday, while defending women’s champion Madison Keys crashed out, as Melbourne braced for a forecast 45C heatwave.
Read More: Keys dumped out in last 16 as Melbourne braces for heatwave
Sinner, recovering from cramps in his third-round match, defeated fellow Italian and close friend Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to book his ninth consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final. Playing in the shade at Margaret Court Arena, Sinner hit 19 aces and said his physical condition held up well despite the heat. He will next face American eighth seed Ben Shelton, who defeated Casper Ruud in four sets, seeking revenge for last year’s semi-final loss to the Italian.
🎾 🇦🇺 Jannik Sinner sent an Australian Open message in rolling into the quarter-finals on Monday but fellow champion Madison Keys was dethroned as Melbourne braced for forecast 45C heat ➡️ https://t.co/L7k2haFS4L pic.twitter.com/6J5cL3R9HL
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 26, 2026
Meanwhile, Madison Keys’ title defence ended with a 6-3, 6-4 loss to compatriot Jessica Pegula. Good friends off the court, Keys promised to honour a pre-match wager by eating a cheese-smothered apple pie. Pegula, chasing her first Grand Slam title at age 31, reached her fourth quarter-final at Melbourne Park and will face Amanda Anisimova, who beat China’s Wang Xinyu to make it four US players in the women’s final eight.
Second seed Iga Swiatek dominated qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3, eliminating the last Australian from the women’s draw. Swiatek will face former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the next round, while Anisimova and Pegula contest the other quarter-final in the bottom half.
On the men’s side, Lorenzo Musetti reached his first Australian Open quarter-final with a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win over Taylor Fritz, setting up a blockbuster clash against ten-time champion Novak Djokovic, who advanced via walkover. Musetti said he was proud of his performance and ready to challenge the Serbian legend.
Read More: Sinner threatens Alcaraz’s bid for career Grand Slam in Melbourne
Player safety measures were in effect as temperatures soared, including extended breaks during matches. With forecasts predicting a blistering 45C on Tuesday, matches on courts with roofs are expected to be moved indoors to cope with extreme conditions.