Australian Open 2026 Day 7 Highlights: Sinner Survives Scare, Djokovic Cruises
Day 7 of the Australian Open 2026 delivered a mix of efficient victories, grueling marathons, and a few scares for the tournament favorites as third-round action concluded across Melbourne Park.
Rod Laver Arena: Favorites Advance, but Sinner Tested
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner faced a sterner test than expected against American Eliot Spizzirri. In a battle lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes, Sinner dropped the opening set before rallying to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory. The Italian’s resilience was key as he fended off the challenge to book his spot in the fourth round.
In contrast, 10-time champion Novak Djokovic (4) looked commanding in his match against Botic van de Zandschulp. Despite a tight third set, the Serbian legend closed out the match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4), in 2 hours and 44 minutes.
On the women’s side, Madison Keys (9) dispatched Karolina Pliskova efficiently with a 6-3, 6-3 win. Qualifier Maddison Inglis enjoyed the easiest path of the day, advancing via a walkover against Naomi Osaka (16).
In doubles action, the local wildcard pairing of Kubler and Polmans thrilled the home crowd with a comeback win over Paul and Willis, 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.
Margaret Court Arena: Swiatek Pushed to the Limit
The biggest drama on Margaret Court Arena came from World No. 2 Iga Swiatek. Facing 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya, Swiatek dominated the first set but completely lost momentum in the second. She regrouped in championship fashion to take the decider, winning 6-1, 1-6, 6-1.
American Ben Shelton (8) showcased his serving prowess in a straight-sets victory over Valentin Vacherot, sealing the match 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(5). Meanwhile, Casper Ruud (12) had to battle past veteran Marin Cilic in four sets, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, in a contest that exceeded three hours.
Jessica Pegula (6) and Amanda Anisimova (4) both secured comfortable straight-set victories to keep their title hopes alive.
John Cain Arena: Musetti Wins Epic, Fritz Ends Wawrinka’s Run
The match of the day undoubtedly belonged to Lorenzo Musetti (5) and Tomas Machac. In a grueling 4-hour and 27-minute marathon, the Italian 5th seed survived a five-set thriller, eventually triumphing 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.
In a generational clash, Taylor Fritz (9) ended the run of wildcard veteran Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss star fought hard, taking the second set, but Fritz’s power ultimately prevailed 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Elena Rybakina (5) and Elise Mertens (21) both made quick work of their opponents, winning in straight sets to round out a packed day of action.
Summary of Key Results:
- [2] J. Sinner def. E. Spizzirri (4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4)
- [4] N. Djokovic def. B. van de Zandschulp (6-3, 6-4, 7-6)
- [2] I. Swiatek def. [31] A. Kalinskaya (6-1, 1-6, 6-1)
- [5] L. Musetti def. T. Machac (5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2)
- [9] T. Fritz def. [WC] S. Wawrinka (7-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4)
Full results: https://ausopen.com/results#!All?dayId=43231
