As we inch closer to the business end of the Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific, there’s no shortage of quality round of 16 matches on the schedule for Sunday and Monday.
Here are our picks for the most popcorn-worthy upcoming fourth round matches at Australian Open 2024 – do they match yours?
5. [4] Jannik Sinner vs [15] Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Sinner leads 2-1
The 22-year-old Italian has been relatively untested this week, coming through his first three matches without dropping a set. But Khachanov, a semifinalist at AO 2023 and the 2022 US Open, is well-positioned to take the fourth seed out of his comfort zone. The 15th seed has posted some of his best results since he last faced Sinner in 2021, and the world No.4 is cognisant of the developments in his foe’s game. “He has improved a lot,” said the Italian, who also recognises the similarities in their tennis. “We love to play with the rhythm, physically we both are good movers." If they can each bring their best, expect fireworks.
4. Mirra Andreeva vs [9] Barbora Krejcikova
Head-to-head: Andreeva leads 2-0
On paper, the world No.47 is an underdog against the Roland Garros 2021 champion. But a closer look at this match-up suggests the 16-year-old sensation – who upset three-time major finalist Ons Jabeur this week and saved match point in her third round against Diane Parry – very much has the number of the former world No.2. “The last two times I played her, I barely won a couple games,” said the accomplished Czech, who lost 6-2 6-2 in October at the China Open and retired injured trailing 3-6 0-4 at Wimbledon three months earlier. “She’s very young and fearless … I’m going to go and try to be third time lucky.”
3. [12] Taylor Fritz (USA) vs [7] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas leads 3-1
It’s not just déjà vu – “Fritzipas” met in the AO fourth round just two years ago, where the Greek triumphed in a five-set epic. Since then, the American snapped a three-match losing streak against his rival with a straight-sets win over the AO 2023 finalist in Monte Carlo last year, and will be aiming to replicate that result on Sunday. Tsitsipas, 25, is acutely aware of his opponent’s strengths and will do everything in his power to stop the American from reaching his first AO quarterfinal. “Taylor has big weapons that he can execute,” said the seventh seed. “I need to defend well, I need to be there, involved, and ready to fight at any given moment.”
2. Amanda Anisimova (USA) vs [2] Aryna Sabalenka
Head-to-head: Anisimova leads 4-1
The last three matches between these big hitters have gone the distance and Sabalenka, 25, knows just how dangerous her younger rival can be. Competing in her first major since stepping away from the sport last year citing burnout, Anisimova, 22, is playing with a level of freedom that may prove an advantage against the defending AO champion. “I was going to be happy whether I Iose in the first round or if I do well,” said the former world No.21, who is bidding to reach her first AO quarterfinal. “I still think that I can do more,” added Anisimova, acknowledging that the world No.2 is an unrelenting competitor. “I know she’s going to be coming in hot.”
1. [10] Alex de Minaur (AUS) vs [5] Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: De Minaur leads 3-2
It’s the sixth instalment of this match up, where defence meets offence. Rublev will aim to paint the lines as he blasts his explosive, powerful groundstrokes to end points quickly, but don’t be surprised if De Minaur – one of the quickest movers on tour – tracks just about every ball down. The 24-year-old will have the Rod Laver Arena crowd in his pocket as he buckles in for battle. “He’s got some immense firepower and his forehand is deadly,” admitted the Aussie, who plans to avoid placing balls into his 26-year-old foe’s favoured strike zone. Nicknamed “Demon”, the right-hander has had amazing month so far, making his top 10 debut and earning upsets over Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Fritz. Can he add Rublev to that list? We can’t wait to see this one play out.