AO26: Jannik Sinner Joins Elite Company; Americans Flood Historic Australian Open QFs

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 15:48 IST

Jannik Sinner made his ninth straight Grand Slam quarter-final, joining Sampras and Djokovic. Four American women reached the quarters for first time in 25 years.

Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova at the 2026 Australian Open (AP)

Jannik Sinner just keeps stacking milestones.

The two-time defending champion cruised past fellow Italian Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(2) to book another Australian Open quarter-final — and with it, a stat that places him among the game’s elite.

At just 23, Sinner is now the third-youngest player in the Open Era to reach the quarter-finals in nine or more consecutive men’s Grand Slam events, behind only Pete Sampras and Novak Djokovic. That’s rare air — and telling company.

Sinner fired down 19 aces, raced through the opening two sets and calmly handled a tighter third, reasserting control in the tiebreak when it mattered most.

Business as Usual in the Heat

Melbourne’s oppressive conditions haven’t been kind, but Sinner managed them far better than most. After dropping a set in the previous round, he looked locked in from the first ball against Darderi.

“It was very difficult," Sinner admitted after facing a close friend. “I’m happy I closed it in three sets."

Next up is Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud, with a potential semi-final date against Novak Djokovic looming large.

Djokovic Advances, Musetti Awaits

Djokovic, meanwhile, progressed without striking a ball after Jakub Mensik withdrew injured, sending the 10-time Australian Open champion straight into the quarter-finals.

He’ll face Lorenzo Musetti, who handled Taylor Fritz in straight sets despite soaring temperatures. Djokovic owns nine wins from their 10 previous meetings, but Musetti insists he’s ready to test the king of Melbourne.

Americans Take Over the Women’s Draw

While Sinner commands the men’s spotlight, the women’s draw belongs to the United States.

For the first time in 25 years, four American women have reached the Australian Open quarter-finals — a staggering show of depth and momentum.

Amanda Anisimova sealed the milestone with a straight-sets win over Wang Xinyu and now faces Jessica Pegula, who earlier ended defending champion Madison Keys’ title defence.

They’re joined by Coco Gauff and teenage breakout Iva Jovic, meaning half of the remaining women’s field is American — and one US player is already guaranteed a semi-final spot.

Heavy Hitters Lining Up

Elsewhere, Elena Rybakina cruised past Elise Mertens and will meet Iga Swiatek or Maddison Inglis, while Shelton and Ruud clash in a prime night-session showdown.

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