Thunder Down Under

01/25/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

#3 Jessica Pegula Upset by #24 Victoria Azarenka; #4 Novak Djokovic & #5 Andrey Rublev Battle for Semifinal Spot

The Australian Open is nearing its two-week conclusion, and we have a good idea of who might be competing in this weekend’s finales. From 128 players in each bracket, only four remain after this morning’s battle between #4 Novak Djokovic and #5 Andrey Rublev in the men’s quarterfinals. Unranked Tommy Paul awaits the winner after defeating fellow American Ben Shelton. #3 Stefanos Tsitsipas and #18 Karen Kachenov reached the men’s semis with straight-set wins. And in the women’s draw, American #3 Jessica Pegula exited fast against #24 Victoria Azarenka while #5 Aryna Sabalenka is the only top-10 player left. Only a few days left down under, and a number of underestimated players are gunning for the first slam of the year.

Men’s Quarterfinals Highlights

#3 S. Tsitsipas def. J. Lehecka (6-3, 7-6, 6-4)

#18 K. Khachanov def. #29 S. Korda (7-6, 6-3, 3-0)

T. Paul def. B. Shelton (7-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4)

#4 N. Djokovic vs. #5 A. Rublev (In Action Overnight)

Men’s Semifinals Schedule

#3 S. Tsitsipas vs. #18 K. Khachanov (Thurs. 10:30 pm ET)

T. Paul vs. #4 N. Djokovic / #5 A. Rublev (TBD)

Women’s Quarterfinals Highlights

#24 V. Azarenka def. #3 J. Pegula (6-4, 6-1)

#5 A. Sabalenka def. D. Vekic (6-3, 6-2)

#22 E. Rybakina def. #17 J. Ostapenko (6-2, 6-4)