Tien Readies for Medvedev Showdown, Sabalenka Battles Teen Star Mboko

The Australian Open heats up as the fourth round approaches, with exciting matchups lined up for January 24, 2026. Top players Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz will lead the charge in the day’s session, while local hope Alex de Minaur will compete in the night session.

Tien Readies for Medvedev Showdown

American tennis player Learner Tien is set to go head-to-head with Russian star Daniil Medvedev. Both players have developed a gripping rivalry over their shared history on the court. Tien, now ranked 25th, previously upset Medvedev in a thrilling five-set match at the same event last year. This encounter, lasting nearly five hours, marked Tien’s emergence in elite tennis.

Since then, they have faced each other multiple times. In their recent match in Beijing, Medvedev retired during the decider, while he subsequently bested Tien in Shanghai. Medvedev expressed mixed feelings about their matches, acknowledging their tendency to feature long rallies and intense shot-making. “I kind of don’t like to play him, but he must hate to play me as well,” he admitted.

• Match history between Tien and Medvedev:
• 2025 Australian Open: Tien def. Medvedev (5 sets)
• 2025 Beijing: Medvedev def. Tien (retirement)
• 2025 Shanghai: Medvedev def. Tien (5 sets)

Tien reflected on the difficulty of their matches, emphasizing the hard-fought nature of their encounters. “We both have to work very hard for points,” he stated.

Sabalenka Battles Teen Star Mboko

In another thrilling matchup, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will face 19-year-old Victoria Mboko. This match marks Mboko’s first Grand Slam fourth round, making it a significant milestone in her career.

Mboko, seeded 17th, is eagerly anticipating the challenge, stating, “I’ve never played a current number one in the world before. It’s going to be a very different experience.” She is excited to showcase her skills on Grand Slam center court.

Sabalenka, who has observed the rapid rise of younger players, praised Mboko’s talent and determination. “She’s a great player and a fighter,” said Sabalenka. Both players are expected to deliver an electrifying match.

Upcoming Matches at the Australian Open

The order of play for January 24 features several significant matches, highlighting the excitement of the tournament.

The matches promise thrilling action as top seeds take to the court. Tune in for what is shaping up to be an unforgettable day at the Australian Open.