World number one Aryna Sabalenka swept into the quarter-finals at a scorching-hot Australian Open on Sunday and was joined by Coco Gauff, while Carlos Alcaraz advanced when Jack Draper retired.

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.

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.

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

Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz are the top seeds in action at Melbourne Park on Sunday. Rohan Bopanna will also partner China’s Shuai Zhang in their second round match of mixed doubles.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka swept into the Australian Open quarter-finals today and was joined by Coco Gauff, while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz

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.

By Shrivathsa Sridhar MELBOURNE (Reuters) -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.

An imperious Aryna Sabalenka stayed on course for a historic third consecutive Australian Open crown on Sunday, while Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz can later set up a blockbuster quarter-final.

Highlights of the eighth day of the Australian Open on Sunday (times GMT): 1057 DJOKOVIC BOOKS QUARTER-FINAL WITH ALCARAZ Ten-times champion Novak Djokovic breezed past Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) after navigating a tight third set.

The British No 1 faces a stiff task as Alcaraz looks to continue his chase for a career grand slam before Djokovic is in action later