Australian Open Day 9 Highlights: Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek advance into quarter finals

Ben Shelton is through the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, beating Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena.

“Ben Shelton has pulled off an incredible turnaround against Casper Ruud! After dropping the opening set, Shelton stormed back to claim the second and third sets with aggressive shot-making and fearless tennis.

Casper Ruud now faces immense pressure—he must win the fourth set to stay alive and force a deciding fifth set. The momentum has clearly swung in Shelton’s favor, and Ruud will need to respond with precision and composure.

What a response from Ben Shelton!

The American has flipped the script in style, roaring back to snatch the second set 6-4 and level this contest under the lights at Rod Laver Arena. Shelton raised his intensity, stepped inside the baseline and began dictating play with fearless shot-making.

Momentum has swung, the crowd is alive, and the big question now looms — how will Casper Ruud answer this challenge?

Casper Ruud has come out firing in the final match of the day at Rod Laver Arena, setting the tone early against Ben Shelton with a composed and authoritative opening set.

The Norwegian looked in complete control from the baseline, soaking up Shelton’s power and turning defence into attack with ease.

At 6-3, Ruud pockets the first set, sending a clear message that he means business under the lights in Melbourne.

Iga Swiatek has stormed her way into the finals at the Australian Open 2026 as she beat the local girl Madisson Inglis in straight sets. The World no 2 didn't take long to brush aside her Australian rival, beating her 6-0, 6-3 in straight sets at the Rod Laver Arena.

Jannik Sinner has made his way into the quarter finals of the Australian Open 2026 as he beats Luciano Darder in straight sets at the Margaret Court Arena. After comfortable in the first two sets, Sinner was tested by his compatriot in the third set with the game heading into a tie-breaker, where Sinner emerged victorious 7-2.

Jannik Sinner beats Luciano Darder 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) at Margaret Court Arena

Poland's Iga Swiatek burst out of the blocks, serving up a trademark bagel in the opening set. The world No. 1 has now won 33 sets 6-0 at Grand Slam tournaments across her career, a staggering number that underlines just how ruthless Swiatek can be once she finds her range.

Iga Swiatek surged to a commanding 5-0 lead over Maddison Inglis, with her backhand proving utterly destructive across the court. Generating sharp angles and striking cleanly from outside the ball, Swiatek repeatedly rushed Inglis, taking time away and forcing hurried responses.

Jannik Sinner has continued his dominance over Luciano Darderi, in his fourth round fixture at the Margaret Court Arena. The world no 2 has been relentless in the match so far, not giving an inch to his compatriot. Darderi has the final chance to save himself as Sinner looks uperturbed and is ready to march into quarter-finals. The duo has held each other's serves so far, after five games in the third set.

Sinner edged ahead 2-1 in the third set after missing a rare forehand, but there was little doubt about the direction of the match. As the commentator put it, it was a "glitch in the matrix" for Darderi, who flattered to deceive in the second set - holding his opening service games before being broken decisively. 

Iga Swiatek wasted little time stamping her authority on the contest, racing to a 2-0 lead against Maddison Inglis in what already looks a brutal assignment for the Australian. The world No. 1 held serve with trademark efficiency to open proceedings before immediately cranking up the pressure on return, probing Inglis' defence with depth and pace. 

Jannik Sinner sealed the second set 6-3 with ease, continuing to dictate play with his power and precision. Darderi, arms stretched wide in frustration, looked short of answers as Sinner fired down another big serve. Adding to his troubles, the 23-year-old appeared to be struggling physically, having earlier pointed to his leg and thigh, with a physio called as the gap between the two became increasingly clear.

Jannik Sinner makes it 5-3 against Luciano Darderi.To add to Darderi's woes, he's picked up a slight limp. The 23-year-old does manage to hold serve, but Greg Allensworth has called for the trainer.

Luciano Darderi clawed his way to 3–2 in the second set, but Jannik Sinner continues to look a class apart, dictating terms with ruthless efficiency. There is little surprise in that, given the gulf in consistency and control between the two.

It took him just 27 minutes to wrap up the first set. No cramping today as Sinner looks cool and calm.

Luciano Darderi, another Italian, did well to take a game and avoid a bagel as Sinner looked in complete control. 

Sinner looks poised to wrap this up in straight sets. 

Jannik Sinner was looking shaky when his compatriot, Darderi, had break points in the first service game. 

But, Sinner has wriggled out of trouble and put the pressure right back on Darderi. 

Sinner is now leading 3-0. 

This might finish quickly in the Margaret Court Arena. 

Jannik Sinner is in action at the Margaret Court Arena in the fourth round fixture against Luciano Darderi. The defending champion has been in fine form in the ongoing tournament and is favourite to progress ahead into the tournament.

Elena Rybakina has stormed into quarter-final following a dominant win over Elise Mertens. The Kazakhstani won in straight sets over the Belgian rival, winning 6-1, 6-3 at the Margaret Court Arena.

Elena Rybakina beats Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-3 at Margaret Court Arena.

Amanda Anisimova works her way past Xinyu Wang in an enthralling fourth-round match.

The fourth seed was made to work hard by Wang, but she comes through 7-6 (4), 6-4 in an hour and 42 minutes. 

Anisimova will take on 6th seed Jessica Pegula in the quarters. 

Lorenzo Musetti will face Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinal. It is going to be a ticky test for the Serb. But, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has enjoyed an extra couple of days' rest after his fourth-round opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew with an injury.

Here's Musetti talking about the upcoming clash. 

Djokovic leads Musetti 9-1 in head-to-head meetings.