Australian Open day nine wrap: Stefanos Tsitsipas tees up Karen Khachanov showdown
Stefanos Tsitsipas continued to look the most likely challenger to Novak Djokovic as he eased into the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
The third seed defeated young Czech Jiri Lehecka in straight sets and will next meet Russia’s Karen Khachanov, who benefited from Sebastian Korda’s mid-match retirement due to a wrist injury.
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina won a power battle against Jelena Ostapenko to set up a last-four clash with Victoria Azarenka, who saw off third seed Jessica Pegula, who continues her campaign in the doubles.
Picture of the day
Point of the day
https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1617758349889769472
Quote of the day
Dog days
Happy Birthday to Victoria Azarenka's dog, Guapo 🐶❤️ #AusOpen | @vika7 pic.twitter.com/gTicxtfMZ3
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 24, 2023
Fallen seeds
Women: Jessica Pegula (3), Jelena Ostapenko (17)
Men: Sebastian Korda (29)
Australian Open day nine results
Collated results from Day 9 of the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament at Melbourne Park on Tuesday:
Men’s singles
Quarter-finals
Karen Khachanov (RUS x18) bt Sebastian Korda (USA x29) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 3-0 ret
Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x3) bt Jiri Lehecka (CZE) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4
Women’s singles
Quarter-finals
Elena Rybakina (KAZ x22) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x17) 6-2, 6-4
Victoria Azarenka (BLR x24) bt Jessica Pegula (USA x3) 6-4, 6-1
Who’s up next?
Djokovic will hope his fitness worries are now behind him as he takes on fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night.
The winner of that contest is guaranteed to meet an unseeded American in the last four, with Tommy Paul facing 20-year-old Ben Shelton.
Fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka will hope to keep her title hopes alive when she takes on Donna Vekic, while former world number one Karolina Pliskova plays Magda Linette.
Australian Open quarter-finals line-up (x denotes seed):
Men
Andrey Rublev (RUS x5) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x4)
Ben Shelton (USA) v Tommy Paul (USA)
Women
Karolina Pliskova (CZE x30) v Magda Linette (POL)
Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x5) v Donna Vekic (CRO)
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.