Medvedev Stunned in Australian Open Upset as Sinner and Swiatek Advance
Defending champion Jannik Sinner moves into the third round, while last year's runner-up Daniil Medvedev suffers a shock defeat to a qualifier.
World No. 1 and reigning champion Jannik Sinner fought back from a slow start to secure his place in the Australian Open third round, while Iga Swiatek set up a highly anticipated clash with Emma Raducanu.
Sinner, who had not dropped a set in 14 matches, was tested early by Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate, losing the first set. However, the Italian regained control to claim a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 victory at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday. The 23-year-old, who also won the US Open last year, extended his winning streak to 16 matches and now faces Marcos Giron.
“It’s always tough to play against someone I don’t know very well. He was playing much better than I was at the beginning,” Sinner admitted after the match.
In the night session, the tournament witnessed a major shock as Daniil Medvedev, last year’s finalist, was knocked out by 19-year-old American qualifier Learner Tien. Ranked 121st in the world, Tien delivered a stunning performance, defeating the world No. 5 in a thrilling five-setter: 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (8/10), 1-6, 7-6 (10/7). He will now face Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the next round.
Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek cruised past Rebecca Sramkova 6-0, 6-2. Her next challenge will be a third-round battle against Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who reached this stage for the first time at Melbourne Park after defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-5.
“It’s going to be a tough one,” said Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion still searching for her first Australian Open title.
Elsewhere, sixth seed and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina made quick work of American wildcard Iva Jovic, while eighth-seeded American Emma Navarro battled past China’s Wang Xiyu in three sets to set up a match against Ons Jabeur.
Fourth seed Jasmine Paolini is also through and will face Renata Zarazua of Mexico.
A blockbuster Friday awaits as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka all take center stage. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka could set up a highly anticipated showdown should they both progress from their respective matches.