Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz and Rohan Bopanna are amongst the big players who will be on show on Day 8 of the Australian Open 2024. Sabalenka, who is looking to win her third successive title at Melbourne Park, has plenty to look forward to as she will be facing teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva at the Rod Laver Arena.
Last year, in June, Andreeva knocked Sabalenka out of the French Open with a three-set win in the quarterfinal. Sabalenka, however, defeated Andreeva in the semi-final of the Brisbane International. After Sabalenka, 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff will lock horns with Belinda Bencic, who got a walkover in the third round after Naomi Osaka retired due to injury.
Carlos Alcaraz will lock horns with Jack Draper in the penultimate singles match on Centre Court before 10-time champion Novak Djokovic faces 24th seed Jiri Lehechka.
At Margaret Court Arena, Paula Badosa, who is looking for her maiden quarterfinal berth in the Australian Open, will be up against Olga Danilovic, who will be brimming with confidence after knocking out Jessica Pegula. Last year’s doubles runner-up, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori will also be in action.
No.2 seed Alexander Zverev will cross swords with France’s Ugo Humbert in the last match at the John Cain Arena. After making an exit from singles, Paolini will partner her compatriot Sara Errani in the second round of their women’s doubles match.
India’s Rohan Bopanna will also ply his trade in mixed doubles. He and China’s Shuai Zhang will play against USA’s Taylor Townsend and Monaco’s Hugo Nys in the second round.