MELBOURNE – The first week of the Australian Open tends to separate intent from preparation. By the time the draw ends in its second week, the question is no longer who came into form, but who is willing to stay patient when conditions, opponents and expectations start to press.
Over seven days at Melbourne Park, this process played out in both ties. The favorites mostly held their ground, albeit not without resistance, while a handful of younger players forced their way into the conversation with performances that were hard to ignore.
At the top of the men’s draw, Carlos Alcaraz cruised through the opening rounds with a growing sense of control. World no. 1 dropped a set early but never looked out of sorts, capping off his first week with a straight sets win over Tommy Paul to reach the quarterfinals. Alcaraz managed his matches well, mixing patience with timely aggression and maintaining energy as the tournament wore on.
(P. Lahalle/Team)
Further in the draw, Novak Djokovic continued his familiar routine in Melbourne. of 10-The champion of the time went to the e round 16 with a straight-set win over Botic van de Zandschulp, adding another milestone to his resume with 400Career Grand Slam singles match. It wasn’t a statement performance, but it didn’t have to be. Djokovic has long treated his first week here as a process rather than a showcase.
The sharpest turn of the tournament came when Learner Tien dismantled Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. The American teenager played loose from the start, redirecting the tempo and finishing points with determination, while Medvedev struggled to establish any lasting control. The result marked Tien’s first trip to a Grand Slam quarterfinal and stood as one of the defining results of the week.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka showed why she remains the reigning champion. Sabalenka advanced to the quarterfinals with a composite victory over Victoria Mboko, handling her 19-Early shot of a yearling before imposing her pace. The power was there, as expected, but so was the braking.
A week off belonged to Iva Jovic. of 18-The American reached her first major quarterfinal with one 6-0, 6-1 won over Yulia Putintseva, a performance that unfolded quickly and without hesitation. Jovic stayed aggressive without forcing the issue, playing the kind of match that suggests comfort rather than surprise.
Conditions were a constant presence. Heat breaks, late finishes and physical matches shaped schedules and tested recovery. Some players sailed it cleanly. Others ran out of time.
Heading into week two, the draw reflects a familiar balance – proven contenders still standing, new names making strides and little margin for error left. The opening rounds offered answers, but only partial ones.
At the Australian Open, the first week tells who it belongs to. The second week decides who can last.
