The American train continues to roll in Australia as Sebastian Korda ousted last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev 7-6(7), 6-3, 7-6(4) in stunning fashion on Friday.
“It was an unbelievable match,” said Korda. “I kind of knew what I had to do. I stuck with it even when I was going up and down with the emotions but I’m thrilled right now. I played amazing, and it was an unbelievable match from me.”
Korda came out firing in this one, opening up the match by breaking Medvedev and never really looking back. He was able to outduel Medvedev in both tiebreakers, and is now into the Australian Open fourth round for the first time in his career.
He will face off against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz who defeated Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3), 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3.
Third-seed Stefanos Tsitsipas posted a 6-2, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. He will play Italy’s Jannik Sinner who came back from two-sets-to-love down to defeat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0.
American Frances Tiafoe saw his run come to an end as he fell to 18th seeded Russian Karen Khachanov in four sets, while fellow American Mackenzie McDonald could not back up his upset win over Rafael Nadal as he was defeated in straight sets by 31st seeded Yoshito Nishioka of Japan.
Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic upset 11th seeded Cameron Norrie 6-7(8), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Coco Gauff continued to look sharp as she beat Bernarda Pera 6-3, 6-2 to set up a matchup with Jelena Ostapenko. Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka came back from a set down to upend American Madison Keys 1-6, 6-2, 6-1.
“Madison was playing great from the start of the year and made semis here last year, so I knew she’d feel comfortable. She came out firing from all corners and I felt I was just rushing,” said Azarenka. “I couldn’t get into my rhythm. I just fought for every point and managed to turn it around. It worked really well. She’s a great player, great friend, we’ll always play tough matches, so it’s never easy.”
Azarenka will face China’s Lin Zhu next. Zhu upset sixth-seeded Maria Sakkari in three sets on Friday.
