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.

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.

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.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka navigated challenges to reach the Australian Open fourth round, while Carlos Alcaraz advanced despite a set loss. Coco Gauff secured a victory, and Naomi Osaka withdrew due to injury.

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.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz can set up a blockbuster quarter-final when the Australian Open enters the fourth round on Sunday while Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are also eyeing a place in the last eight.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the limit while Carlos Alcaraz dropped a set before surging into the last 16.

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.

Lone Aussie Aleksandar Vukic takes on Brit Jack Draper after doubles walkover when Special Ks bowed out injured.

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.

Having stormed through to the opening two rounds of Australian Open 2025 without dropping a set, Carlos Alcaraz will be confident of a win against WR 36 Nuno Borges.

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.