Day 8 Highlights: Quick Recap from AO 2026
Day 8 of the Australian Open 2026 showcased remarkable performances from young American tennis players, Iva Jovic and Learner Tien. Both athletes achieved significant milestones by advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in their careers.
Young Stars Shine at AO 2026
Eighteen-year-old Iva Jovic delivered an impressive performance, conceding only one game in her match against Yulia Putintseva from Kazakhstan. Jovic won decisively with a score of 6-0, 6-1. This victory marks Jovic’s debut in a Grand Slam fourth round, and she remains unbeaten in the tournament, having not dropped a set.
Jovic is the youngest player in the WTA top 100 and made headlines by securing her first top-10 win during this tournament against Jasmine Paolini. Reflecting on her achievements, Jovic expressed surprise at her rapid success, stating, “This is what you dream about.”
- Iva Jovic: 18 years old, first Grand Slam quarterfinal, beaten top-10 player Jasmine Paolini.
- Score against Yulia Putintseva: 6-0, 6-1.
Learner Tien’s Impressive Advancement
Meanwhile, Learner Tien, who is 20 years old, triumphed over Daniil Medvedev, a three-time finalist at Melbourne Park. Tien won the match with a score of 6-4, 6-0, 6-3. He is the youngest American to reach the quarterfinals of a major since Andy Roddick achieved the feat in 2001.
- Learner Tien: 20 years old, first Grand Slam quarterfinal, coached by Michael Chang.
- Score against Daniil Medvedev: 6-4, 6-0, 6-3.
American Contingent Excels
Coco Gauff also contributed to the success of American players by defeating Karolina Muchova with a score of 6-3 in the third set. This victory marks Gauff’s tenth appearance in a major quarterfinal at the age of 21.
Top Seeds Maintain Dominance
Both Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 players, continued their strong performances in the tournament. Neither has lost a set so far. Alcaraz defeated Tommy Paul with a close score of 7-6(6), 6-4, 7-5, setting up a match against local favorite Alex de Minaur.
De Minaur had a smooth victory over Alexander Bublik, winning 6-4, 6-1, 6-1. On the women’s side, Sabalenka secured a win against Canadian Victoria Mboko, achieving a record 20th consecutive Grand Slam tiebreak victory, winning 6-1, 7-6(1).
- Aryna Sabalenka: 20th consecutive winning tiebreak at a Grand Slam.
- Carlos Alcaraz: Set to face Alex de Minaur in next round.
Other Notable Matches
Elina Svitolina advanced after defeating No. 8 seed Mirra Andreeva 6-2, 6-4. Following her win at the Auckland tournament, Svitolina has remained unbeaten this season.
In unfortunate news, Czech player Jakub Mensik withdrew from the tournament due to an abdominal injury, resulting in a walkover for Novak Djokovic. Djokovic will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz in his upcoming match.
As the Australian Open 2026 continues, the spotlight remains on emerging talents and seasoned champions alike, promising more thrilling action ahead.
