American Ethan Quinn delivered the biggest upset of Thursday's Australian Open action, stunning Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-1 to continue his remarkable rise. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner cruised past home favorite James Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2, and Novak Djokovic looked sharp in dismantling qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The day also featured notable wins from Taylor Fritz and a thrilling four-set battle between Tomas Machac and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
American breakthrough continues Quinn's meteoric rise
Ethan Quinn capped off a remarkable 12-month transformation by stunning Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-1 in Melbourne. Just over a year ago, Quinn was ranked No. 199 and struggling in ATP Challenger events. After losing in Cleveland last January, the American made a crucial decision to maintain his discipline and work ethic rather than let frustration derail his progress. That moment of reflection proved pivotal - by June he had cracked the top 100 for the first time. Against Hurkacz, Quinn was virtually untouchable on serve, saving all eight break points he faced while firing 12 aces. His composure under pressure was exceptional, winning 20 of 27 serve pressure points while staying aggressive on return with 9 of 26. The victory showcased the mental fortitude that has defined his breakthrough season, with Quinn refusing to be overawed by the occasion against the more experienced Pole.
Sinner extends Australian domination with clinical display
Jannik Sinner continued his smooth march toward a potential third consecutive Australian Open crown, dispatching home favorite James Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 with clinical efficiency. The world No. 2 was relentless throughout, extending his perfect 9-0 record against Australian opponents at Grand Slam events. Sinner faced minimal trouble on serve, erasing all three break points he encountered while striking 18 aces. His dominance was evident in the pressure statistics - winning 9 of 12 serve pressure points while capitalizing on 13 of 33 return opportunities. The Italian acknowledged the home crowd's fair support despite backing their compatriot, and couldn't resist praising rival Carlos Alcaraz when asked about drop shots. Sinner is now positioned to become just the second man in the Open Era alongside Novak Djokovic to claim three straight Australian Open titles.
Djokovic showcases impressive form in dominant victory
Novak Djokovic delivered a commanding performance to defeat qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 and advance to the third round. Playing just his second match since winning his 101st tour-level title in Athens last November, the 38-year-old moved efficiently and struck the ball cleanly throughout. The 10-time Australian Open champion needed seven set points to close out the opening set but rarely relinquished control in baseline rallies. His serving was particularly impressive, winning 86% of first-serve points while handling pressure moments with authority - converting 13 of 18 serve pressure points. The Serbian acknowledged the challenging windy conditions that made the day session feel like a different tournament compared to his night match in round one. Djokovic now sits just one victory away from reaching 400 Grand Slam wins, a testament to his enduring excellence at the sport's highest level.
Machac prevails in tiebreak thriller over Tsitsipas
Tomas Machac edged Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in a captivating four-set encounter that showcased both players' fighting qualities. The Czech player demonstrated remarkable resilience under pressure, winning 30 of 40 serve pressure points in what proved to be a serve-dominated affair. Despite facing 10 break points throughout the match, Machac saved seven of them to stay competitive. The turning point came in the tiebreaks, where his aggressive mindset paid dividends. Tsitsipas fought valiantly and managed to level the match by taking the second set, but couldn't find the decisive break in the crucial moments. The victory represents a significant scalp for Machac, who converted his limited opportunities perfectly by winning all three break points he earned.
Fritz powers past Kopriva in straight sets
Taylor Fritz secured a comfortable 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Vit Kopriva to advance to the third round. The American ninth seed dominated the early stages before facing more resistance in the final set, which required a tiebreak to settle. Fritz's serving was exceptional throughout, firing 15 aces while winning 79% of first-serve points. His pressure point statistics tell the story of a player in control - winning 11 of 14 serve pressure points while capitalizing on return opportunities with 11 of 25. The Czech qualifier showed fighting spirit to push the third set to a tiebreak, but Fritz's superior firepower ultimately proved decisive. The victory continues the American's solid start to the season as he looks to build on his breakthrough 2025 campaign.
Ruud survives Munar test in three-set encounter
Casper Ruud weathered a spirited challenge from Jaume Munar to win 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 and advance to the third round. The Norwegian 13th seed was tested throughout by his Spanish opponent but showed his class in the crucial moments. Ruud's serving was solid when it mattered most, winning 80% of first-serve points and saving both break points he faced. His ability to handle pressure situations was evident in winning 7 of 9 serve pressure points, while he capitalized on 11 of 31 return pressure opportunities. Munar pushed hard in each set but couldn't quite find the breakthrough against the former world No. 2. The victory sets up an intriguing third-round clash for Ruud, who will be pleased with his composed performance under pressure.
Musetti overcomes compatriot Sonego
Lorenzo Musetti emerged victorious from an all-Italian encounter, defeating Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in a straightforward affair. The fifth seed controlled proceedings from start to finish, never allowing his compatriot to gain a foothold in the match. Musetti's return game was particularly impressive, as he broke serve six times from 23 opportunities while facing minimal pressure on his own delivery. His serving consistency was solid rather than spectacular, winning 69% of first-serve points while managing pressure situations effectively with 12 of 18 serve pressure points won. Sonego fought hard but couldn't match his higher-ranked opponent's intensity and precision. The result continues Musetti's steady progress in Melbourne as he seeks to build on his promising form.
Darderi battles past Baez in four-set thriller
Luciano Darderi prevailed over Sebastian Baez 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an entertaining four-set encounter that showcased both players' determination. The Italian-born Argentine recovered from a comprehensive second-set loss to reassert control and secure victory. Darderi's ability to respond after setbacks proved crucial, as he regrouped tactically and physically to dominate the final two sets. His pressure point statistics reflected the match's competitive nature - winning 16 of 30 serve pressure points while converting 16 of 42 return pressure opportunities. Baez showed his quality by taking the second set emphatically but couldn't maintain that level consistently enough. The victory represents another solid result for Darderi as he continues to establish himself at tour level with his powerful baseline game.
The third round promises even more compelling matchups as the draw begins to take shape, with several seeded players already through and ready to face their next challenges in Melbourne's summer heat.
Looking ahead to Friday
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz faces his first quite serious test of the 2026 Australian Open when he meets crafty Frenchman Corentin Moutet in Friday's third round action at Melbourne Park. The defending champion has cruised through his opening three matches without dropping a set, but Moutet's unorthodox left-handed style and ability to disrupt rhythm could provide a different challenge entirely. Elsewhere, home favorite Alex De Minaur looks to continue his impressive run against big-serving American Frances Tiafoe, while Alexander Zverev meets Cameron Norrie in a clash of contrasting styles.
Alcaraz seeks smooth passage against tricky Moutet
The top seed enters this encounter having looked imperious over the past 12 months on hard courts, posting a stellar 35-6 record with his combination of power and precision proving devastating on the surface. Alcaraz's serve has been particularly impressive, winning 75.2% of first serve points while striking 5.9 aces per match. Perhaps most tellingly, his pressure point statistics show why he's reached the summit of the game - saving 68.7% of break points faced when the heat is on.
Moutet presents an entirely different puzzle. The 37th-ranked Frenchman brings his left-handed variety and tactical acumen to Melbourne, having compiled a respectable 19-13 hard court record over the past year. While his serve lacks Alcaraz's firepower, Moutet compensates with intelligent court positioning and an ability to turn defense into attack. His 65.3% break point save rate demonstrates solid composure under pressure, though he'll need to find ways to create more opportunities against the Spaniard's formidable serve.
This marks their first career meeting, removing any tactical familiarity from the equation. Alcaraz's recent form - winning eight of his last ten matches - suggests he's peaking at the right time, but Moutet's crafty style has troubled bigger names before. The key battle will be whether the Frenchman can disrupt Alcaraz's rhythm early enough to make this competitive.
De Minaur aims to reverse Tiafoe trend on home soil
The local crowd will be firmly behind De Minaur as he looks to overturn a challenging head-to-head record against Tiafoe. The American leads their rivalry 4-1 across five meetings, including a victory in their most recent encounter at Toronto last August. Interestingly though, their hard court record tells a different story, with De Minaur holding a surprising 4-1 advantage on this surface.
De Minaur arrives in excellent form, riding a four-match winning streak and showcasing the consistent baseline power that has made him Australia's top player. Over the past year on hard courts, he's compiled an impressive 38-17 record while winning 73.3% of first serve points. His return game could prove crucial - he wins 31.1% of points against first serves and 54.0% against second serves, numbers that could trouble Tiafoe's serve-heavy game plan.
Tiafoe brings his explosive serving to the equation, averaging 9.1 aces per match and winning 75.3% of first serve points. However, his recent form shows some inconsistency with a 4-6 record over his last ten matches. The American's power game can be devastating when flowing, but his second serve vulnerability (winning just 50.4% of points) could give De Minaur the openings he needs to seize control of rallies.
Zverev looks to maintain Norrie dominance
The German third seed carries a commanding 6-1 head-to-head lead into this encounter, including a 5-1 advantage on hard courts. Zverev's height advantage and powerful serve - averaging 8.0 aces per match - should pose problems for Norrie's return game. However, the Brit arrives in solid form with seven wins from his last ten matches, suggesting he won't go quietly. Zverev's tiebreak struggles this year (8-11 record) could provide Norrie with opportunities if he can force the crucial moments.
Paul seeks to maintain perfect Davidovich Fokina record
The American holds a spotless 4-0 record against the Spanish 14th seed, including victory in their Australian Open meeting just last year. Paul's superior tiebreak performance on hard courts (72.7% win rate compared to Davidovich Fokina's 59.3%) could prove decisive in what promises to be a tactical battle. The Spaniard's break point conversion rate of 44.7% gives him hope of turning the tide, but Paul's 74.1% first serve points won suggests he'll be difficult to break down.
Cerundolo carries momentum against struggling Rublev
The Argentine enters with a surprising 3-1 head-to-head advantage and impressive tiebreak statistics that could prove crucial. Cerundolo wins 72.7% of tiebreaks on hard courts compared to Rublev's 61.1%, while his superior break point conversion rate (45.4% versus 37.7%) suggests he's more clinical in the key moments. Rublev's powerful first serve (77.3% points won) remains his primary weapon, but recent inconsistency raises questions about his mental state under pressure.
Bublik's hot streak meets Etcheverry challenge
The Kazakhstani arrives on a six-match winning streak, with his explosive serve averaging 12.2 aces per match causing havoc for opponents. Bublik's 80.2% first serve points won rate is among the tour's best, though his 4.4 double faults per match highlight the high-risk nature of his game. Etcheverry showed his hard court capabilities by reaching this stage, and his superior consistency (just 1.7 double faults per match) could pay dividends if he can weather the Bublik serving storms.
Friday's fourth round promises to separate the genuine contenders from the early-round specialists. Alcaraz's smooth progress continues to suggest he's the man to beat, while De Minaur's home support could prove the difference in a tight encounter with Tiafoe. Any upset results would significantly reshape the tournament's landscape heading into the business end of the second week.