Web Headline: Australian Open: Sinner, Djokovic, Swiatek, Musetti reach quarters

Jannik Sinner defeated Luciano Darderi to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals, joining Djokovic, Swiatek and Musetti in the last eight. Anisimova and Pegula advanced in women’s singles, while Rybakina set up a clash with Swiatek. Sabalenka and Alcaraz headline day 10

Melbourne: Jannik Sinner overcame a few difficult moments but ultimately asserted his authority to defeat fellow Italian Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(2) and moved into the men’s singles quarterfinals of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday.

The No 2-ranked player in the ATP Rankings combined relentless precision with clinical edge to keep the drama at bay as he continued his march deep into the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.

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Sinner had struggled with cramps against Eliot Spizzirri in the previous round but was lucky to emerge unscathed. On Monday, he escaped a nervy finish against Darderi, as both his momentum and physical condition briefly threatened to fade.

“We are good friends off the court. I’m very happy I closed it in three sets,” said Sinner, who fired down 19 aces as he stepped up his push towards a third straight Australian Open title.

Sinner will next play American eighth seed Ben Shelton, who claimed a four-set win over three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud.

Fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti made a statement with a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win over ninth seed Taylor Fritz to book a spot in the last eight against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

“I came here with a different mentality, so I am very happy,” said Musetti, who blasted down 13 aces.

Djokovic, 38, received extra rest after 16th seed Jakub Mensik pulled out of their fourth-round match due to injury.

Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, China’s Wang Xinyu fought hard in her straight-sets defeat to American fourth seed Amanda Anisimova, who prevailed 7-6(4), 6-4 in one hour and 42 minutes at John Cain Arena.

“I’m feeling great. What a battle in tough conditions against a really good opponent,” said Anisimova, who is seeking her first major title.

Ranked No 46, Wang will leave Melbourne with confidence after her last-16 finish and runner-up effort in Auckland. She is set to rise to 33 in the WTA rankings, just one spot below her career high.

Anisimova will next play compatriot Jessica Pegula, who ended the title defense of Madison Keys with a 6-3, 6-4 win.

Second seed Iga Swiatek breezed past Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3 to set up a quarterfinal with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who had earlier thrashed Elise Mertens.

In doubles, China’s Guo Hanyu and Kristina Mladenovic of France were upset by Australian wildcards Kimberly Birrell and Talia Gibson. In mixed doubles, Zhang Shuai and Tim Putz lost 10-8 in a match tiebreak to Katerina Siniakova and Sem Verbeek.

Tournament organisers are bracing for another heatwave on day 10. Aryna Sabalenka’s clash with teenager Iva Jovic headlines Tuesday’s quarterfinal action, while Carlos Alcaraz faces Alex de Minaur. Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev will also be in focus.