The day four of the Australian Open 2024 was filled with drama as Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame stern tests in their round two clashes, while big names like Ons Jabeur and Maria Sakkari crashed out of the tournament.

Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton and Aryna Sabalenka reached the third round on January 17 while Alex de Minaur laid down the marker with a dominant performance.

Frances Tiafoe and Caroline Garcia also crashed out in the second round in Melbourne, while former champion Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated by qualifier Maria Timofeeva.

Andrey Rublev also progressed into the third round with an easy win on Wednesday.

Australian Open 2024 Day Highlights

Novak Djokovic overcomes stern test from Alexei Popyrin

In an electrifying night session at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic faced a formidable challenge from Australia’s own Alexei Popyrin.

The defending champion, Djokovic, ultimately emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3, advancing to the third round amidst the roaring support of the Melbourne crowd.

The match started with Djokovic being at his brilliant best and cruising through the first set with relative ease. However, the second set was a shocker for everyone as the crowd-favourite Popyrin would stun the crowd and won the second set 6-4.

A nail-biting third set had the Serbian on the ropes, but he bounced back to save four set points and claim it before securing the win.

Gritty Tsitsipas survives Thompson threat

Stefanos Tsitsipas left a note on the television camera after the end of a 3 hours and 36 minutes battle in his second-round match at the Australian Open and it read: “It’s not the way. It’s not the style. It’s the grind & the hunger”.

Tsitsipas was tested by local hope Jordan Thompson, but the fourth seed battled past the challenges to clinch a 4-6, 7-6 (8), 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory and move into the men’s singles third round.

Sabalenka cruises into round three, Tiafoe out

Aryna Sabalenka continued her fine run in the Australian Open 2024 with a comprehensive performance against Brenda Fruhvirtova, while Frances Tiafoe was sent packing by the impressive Tomas Machac on January 17.

Despite some initial challenges, Sabalenka managed to secure a decisive victory with scores of 6-3 and 6-2.

Tomas Machac showed why he is one of the best talents in the tennis circuit currently as he defeated the 17th seeded Frances Tiafoe in a stunning display to progress to the third round of the men’s singles.

The 23-year-old Czech star defeated Tiafoe 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 to set up a clash with Karen Khachanov in the next round.

Shelton thanks crowd for fiery atmosphere after round two win

Shelton thanked the crowd for the fiery atmosphere after his second round win over O’Connell. The American won 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 in the second round of the Australian Open at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne.

“It’s a fiery atmosphere. Whether they’re for you or against you they make things fun. Sometimes they’re screaming my name. Maybe every once in a while they’re booing me. I love being out here. I think college tennis has somewhat of a hostile environment. This is much less hostile but they definitely have the rowdiness,” said Shelton during the on-court interview.

Sakkari, Garcia, Jabeur knocked out

Women’s eighth seed Sakkari was dumped out of the competition after her straight sets loss to Russian Elina Avanesyan in the final of the day on Wednesday.

World number 16 Garcia was knocked out of the Australian Open following a straight sets loss against Frech. The Polish tennis star beat Garcia 6-4, 7-6, winning four of her 11 break points.

World number 6 Ons Jabeur has been knocked out of the 2024 Australian Open following a straight sets defeat against Russian teen sensation Mirra Andreeva. 16-year-old Andreeva marked another significant accomplishment in her budding career, defeating three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur in the second round of the Australian Open. Andreeva sealed her first ever career top-10 victory, beating Jabeur 6-0, 6-2.

Gauff, Sinner into round three

4th seed Coco Gauff showcased a lot of resilience in her second-round match, overcoming a challenging start against fellow American Caroline Dolehide. Gauff, the US Open champion, found herself in a precarious position when Dolehide broke back after trailing 4-1 in the first set. The match intensified as Dolehide served for the set, but Gauff’s determination shone through as she broke back to force a tie-break, which she dominated with powerful forehands. Securing the first set, Gauff maintained momentum, executing two breaks in the second set to win 7-6(2), 6-2.

World number 4 Jannik Sinner marched on to round 3 of the Australian Open with a straight sets win over Dutch tennis star Jesper de Jong.

Sinner beat De Jong 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 at the Margaret Court Arena to reach the third round of the Australian Open for the third time in his career.