As we head into the final week of the Australian Open, the top seeds are beginning to distinguish themselves, showcasing their undeniable talent and determination.
In the men’s singles, Novak Djokovic furthers his campaign for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. He sets up a highly anticipated quarter-final match with third seed Carlos Alcaraz, who advanced after Britain’s Jack Draper was forced to retire in the fourth round following a gruelling series of five set matches. Alexander Zverev has maintained a run of dominant showings and will face twelfth seed Tommy Paul, one of two American men through to the quarter finals. Alex de Minaur also continues to thrive on home soil as he sails through into the quarter finals.
The tournament has seen its share of surprises, including Gael Monfils who found himself battling with Taylor Fritz in the third round, he caused an impressive upset after knocking out the fourth seed. However, young star Ben Shelton advances as the 38-year-old French man’s inspiring run ended- he was forced to retire from injury. Shelton will go on to face the only unseeded player left in the men’s draw, Lorenzo Sonego.
In the women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka is continuously proving her worth as world no.1 as she storms through into the final eight. Coco Gauff is also on an impressive run, setting up a quarter final clash with Paula Badosa. A surprising upset came in the third round as seventh seed Jessica Pegula was knocked out by an unseeded player (O. Danilovic).
America sets the tone with three women into the final eight, including Madison Keys. She secured her spot in the final eight after a hard-fought deciding set over sixth seed Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek has performed several commanding matches, only dropping one game in her match against Emma Raducanu and again in her match against lucky loser, Eva Lys.
Naomi Downs 
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