Day seven of the Australian Open saw blockbusters unfold in front of empty stadiums at Melbourne Park, whilst Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev became the first qualifier to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals since 1989.
World No. 114, Aslan Karatsev’s stellar run has continued at Melbourne Park after knocking off World No. 19, Felix Auger-Aliassime on Margaret Court Arena. After trailing 2-0 the Russian fought from within, ultimately taking the match 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3-, 6-4. With the win Karastev became just the 7th man in the Open era to reach a quarterfinal in his Grand Slam debut and the lowest ranked man to reach the quarters of a Grand Slam since Patrick McEnroe in 1991.
Grigor Dimitrov will be Karatsev’s next opponent, after the Bulgarian 18th seed dismantled third seed Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 in an impressive showing.
Sixth seed Alexander Zverev also advanced to the quarterfinals, claiming a 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over 23rd seed Dusan Lajovic of Serbia.
Zverev will meet World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the quarters, after Djokovic overcame 14th seed Milos Raonic 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in a tight encounter in the last match of the day on Rod Laver Arena.
On the women’s side, world No. 11, Serena Williams, was in vintage form today with big serving and lots of strong forehands on Rod Laver Arena as she defeated World No. 7, Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Williams told Jelena Dokic “It wasn’t easy…I just had to keep going.” The quest for Williams’ illusive 24th Grand Slam will continue at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. Williams will face Simona Halep in the quarterfinals, after second seed Halep came from a set behind to defeat 15th seed Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Defending U.S. Open Champion, Naomi Osaka dug deep to overcome last year’s finalist Garbine Muguruza in three tight sets. Coming from a set down Osaka advanced with a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over the World No. 14. Osaka saved two match points to complete a dubious comeback. Osaka said that "I think maybe a year ago - definitely a year ago - I probably wouldn't have won this match.” Osaka played an attacking gaming hammering home 11 aces and 40 winners.
Osaka will now play Taiwanese veteran Hsieh Su-wei. The 35-year-old reached her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal by dismantling 19th seed Marketa Vondrousova 6-4, 6-2 in just 68 minutes. With the win, Hsieh became the oldest player to make a Grand Slam quarterfinal in the open era.
Aussies Marc Polmans and James Duckworth lost to 8th seeds Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 6-3. John Millman and partner Thiago Monterio made second seeds Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic work hard for the win, going down 7-6 (2), 6-4 on Court 13.
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis also went down in the second round, defeated by fourth seeds Lukasz Kubot and Wesley Koolhof 3-6, 4-6.
On the mixed doubles side of things, John Peers and Belinda Woolcock went down in three sets, losing 6-2, 5-7, 12-10 to Andreja Klepac and Neal Skupski. Max Purcell and Arina Rodionova are back on the winners list courtesy of a 7-5, 6-4 win over Alexa Guarachi and Michael Venus.
Matthew Ebden and Sam Stosur were also on the winners list, knocking out Alexander Bublik and Elena Rybakina 6-1, 6-4.
World No. 1 and friend of The First Serve, Dylan Alcott won his opening round match with a win over fellow countrymen, Heath Davidson 6-0, 7-5. Dylan told the media that “it is always hard playing one of your best mates but happy to get the win.”