The GIST: The only thing hotter than the temps Down Under is the on-court action — the Australian Open semis are officially set, complete with lots of chalk and a handful of surprises.
🎉 World No. 6 Jessica Pegula through to first career Aussie Open semi: The American took down her fellow countrywoman last night, topping No. 4 Amanda Anisimova to advance to the final four. Her prize? A semis showdown vs. No. 5 Elena Rybakina, who knocked out No. 2 Iga Świątek in straight sets.
- Joining them in the semis is No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who will play No. 12 Elina Svitolina after the latter’s quick QF win over No. 3 Coco Gauff yesterday.
💪 No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz just keeps winning: The Spaniard made light work of No. 6 Alex de Minaur in yesterday’s QF, defeating the Australian in straight sets to the dismay of the home crowd. Looking as dominant as ever, Alcaraz now needs just two more match dubs to win the Aussie Open and become the youngest man to secure a career Grand Slam. Could history be in the making?
- The 22-year-old will face No. 3 Alexander Zverev in tomorrow’s semi. On the other side of the bracket, it’s No. 4 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who emerged victorious over No. 8 Ben Shelton overnight.
- If you think you’ve seen this film before, you’re right — Sinner topped Djokovic in both the Wimbledon and French Open semis last year. Old foes make for great matches.